WHEN A BANK SUCCEEDS, MUST THE CRITIC INVENT A SCANDAL?
Mr. Obinna Oriaku’s series of commentaries on Signature Bank is a classic example of how political bitterness can turn good news into forced suspicion.
First, let us correct the careless figures.
Signature Bank’s reported audited 2025 performance shows a Profit After Tax of ₦3.59 billion, up from ₦726 million in 2024, not ₦786 million as claimed. Its total assets rose to ₦224.7 billion, not ₦244.7 billion. Its gross earnings rose impressively to ₦24.99 billion.
Those are not numbers to mock. They are numbers to celebrate.
A young Nigerian bank, established in a difficult economy, survived the turbulence of inflation, exchange-rate instability, high operating costs and tightening regulation, yet moved from an early loss position into strong profitability within a few years.
That is not a “miracle” to ridicule. That is enterprise, strategy, competent management and confidence-building.
Every serious society celebrates businesses that grow, open branches, employ people, pay taxes, deepen competition and provide services to citizens. Why should Signature Bank’s expansion into Enugu, Owerri, Aba, Umuahia or anywhere else become an offence simply because Dr. Alex Otti was one of its founders?
Should a bank stop growing because one of its founders became governor?
Should workers lose employment opportunities because political opponents are uncomfortable with the bank’s progress?
Should Abia reject legitimate investment because Mr. Oriaku has chosen to interpret every development through the lens of hostility?
Governor Alex Otti has already taken the principled position required of him. He publicly stated that he resigned from the board of Signature Bank before assuming office as Governor of Abia State.
That is the relevant ethical step: separating his public responsibility from his former board role.
Beyond that, anybody alleging improper government patronage must provide evidence.
Where is the official directive ordering all Abia government accounts into Signature Bank?
Where is the audited report proving that public funds were improperly diverted to the bank?
Where is the account mandate, procurement breach, regulatory finding or documentary evidence of unlawful advantage?
A Facebook post, laughter emojis and repeated innuendo cannot substitute for proof.
Even the claim that “every government business is forcefully moved to this bank” is presented without a single official document. Public accountability is important, but responsible criticism must be based on evidence, not resentment at the success of an institution associated with a political opponent.
Signature Bank deserves congratulations for building a Nigerian financial institution that is growing, expanding and producing strong audited results.
Governor Alex Otti deserves commendation for maintaining the proper boundary by resigning from the bank’s board before assuming public office, while still making it clear that Abia is open to legitimate investors.
The critic appears angry, not because the bank failed, but because it succeeded.
But success is not corruption.
Growth is not evidence of misconduct.
Opening branches is not proof of government capture.
And a profitable Nigerian bank should not be dragged into the mud simply because political bitterness desperately needs a new target.
Hail Signature Bank for its remarkable growth.
Hail every legitimate investor willing to bring enterprise and jobs into Abia.
Hail Governor Alex Otti for the principled step of resigning from the bank’s board before taking office and refusing to treat legitimate investment as a political enemy.
Those who allege wrongdoing should bring documents.
Until then, Signature Bank’s success remains what the audited figures say it is: a strong Nigerian business performance worth celebrating, not a scandal to be manufactured.
SOURCES:
The Guardian Nigeria, 26 May 2026: https://guardian.ng/business-services/business/signature-bank-reports-stronger-2025-performance-as-profit-rises-to-%E2%82%A63-59bn/�
Vanguard, 24 January 2024: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/01/im-not-a-board-member-of-signature-bank-otti/�
Official Governor Alex Otti platform, 24 January 2024: https://www.alexotti.com/gov-otti-to-investors-abia-open-for-business-as-signature-bank-launches-two-branches-2/� :::
