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Polaris Bank faulted after leaked email stopping Muslim staff from praying

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Polaris Bank faulted after leaked email stopping Muslim staff from praying

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Polaris Bank

Polaris Bank has faced severe criticism from Muslims on social media after an email from one of its senior managers directing Muslim staff in her branch against observing Friday prayers got leaked.

In the leaked email, the supervising staff said that the bank did not have a policy that allowed employees to leave work to observe prayers during working hours.

“Dear all, it has been observed that on Fridays, you leave your work desks to attend the Jumat service bearing in mind the impact of your absence on the workflow and productivity of Yes Centre.

“Kindly note that there is no provision made anywhere in the bank’s policy for employees to attend any religious activities during work hours. Going forward, such permissions would not be granted on the Yes Centre platform and any infraction of this directive would be dealt with accordingly. You are all expected to acknowledge the receipt of this mail. Thank you,” the email purportedly read.

However, the email generated negative reactions, especially on Twitter.

@Biyatife said, “This is a horrible policy by Polaris Bank. Muslims should be allowed to attend Friday Jumat Service. Undebatable!”

@AishaYesufu, “When we talk about discrimination that Muslims face many come to talk all sorts and call you all sorts of names.

“The Polaris bank issue is just one tiny fraction of what is really happening.

“The fact that many keep quiet and accept their faith doesn’t mean it is not happening.”

The bank has since apologised.

See apology below:

However, the apology did not pacify some Muslim customers who stormed the bank to withdraw their funds.

Kawu Garba wrote, “The disclaimer of Polaris bank claimed that the staff who issued a circular forbidding Muslim staff from observing Juma’at prayer did it without the approval of the bank authority.

“Is it not fiction she’s not fired? These people don’t rate us.”

Rt. Hon Mubarak Mijinyawa wrote, “Northern Muslims have sent a strong message to the entire private sector benefiting from them directly.

“What happened to Polaris Bank will serve as a deterrent.

“No one threatens our religion and gets away with it.

“One of our mottos is that “an injury to one is an injury to all”.”

 

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