Sterling Bank again posted a new tweet on Monday with a caption “We only say what we believe in.” The tweet features the astronaut seated on a throne and worshiped by “friends” who were dressed in full corporate and “colourful” ties.
The astronaut who also featured in the controversial tweet posted two Fridays ago was dressed in a T-shirt and shorts and seated on a red throne with the rocket right beside it. Our analysts believe this latest image plays to a new perception of youth being created by Sterling Bank.
The bank has in the last year and a half revamped its corporate outlook portraying a youthful bank with an affinity towards millions of young Nigerians who relate with lifestyles that buck traditional trends.
We only say what we believe in.#WhatAreFriendsFor#WeBelieveInNaija#MakingItCount pic.twitter.com/I0igW2U41Z
— Sterling Bank Plc (@Sterling_Bankng) July 30, 2018
For example, while most commercial bank staffs today spot tie and suits, younger Fintech companies prefer to go to work in T-shirts and Jeans in office locations that are created to be fun and hip to work from.
Sterling Bank on Tuesday apologised for a subtle banter tweet it posted via its Twitter handle on Friday. In a tweet posted on Tuesday, the bank “tendered its unreserved apology to all banks the likeness of whose logos and buildings featured in the referenced tweet.” The apology follows an alleged report by a bigger rival commercial bank to the CBN.
Subsequently, the Central Bank sent Sterling Bank a letter requesting that the bank immediately “pull down the post from its Twitter handle, write and unreserved apology, through the same medium, to all banks whose logos and buildings you used in the advert and explain within twenty-four hours why regulatory sanctions should not be imposed on your bank”
The CBN claimed this was “an attempt” by Sterling Bank to “exploit the power of the social media to demarket other banks”. They also claimed this was in violation of section 44 of the Banking and Other Financial Institution Act (BOFIA).
Some social media handles already believe this latest tweet is embellished with subliminal references to some banks.
? ? is it just me or do those tie colours actually look suspicious ? ?
— Olabode Odetunde (@olabodeodetunde) July 30, 2018
Am i d only one seein thoes tie colour #bankwar# part2 i love one customer bank ???
— miss_money (@MissMon95665494) July 30, 2018
Hehehehehe some people still don't get the drift. Oya look at the colours of the tie and wisdom shall locate you whereva you are. ???? kaiiii this table you are shaking @Sterling_Bankng is ok o
— Nwabuno Chibogu (@BunoChibogu) July 30, 2018
It also appears that these innovative tweets seem to be winning the hearts of twitter Nigeria as more people appear to be opening bank accounts with Sterling Bank.
I never liked @Sterling_Bankng in my life,not until NYSC forcefully Attached me to @Sterling_Bankng . Now I have abandon other banks. Opening Business Account immediately after Service. My Bank My Bank
— Leo Unyime Paul (@unyime_leo) July 30, 2018
Heheheheh @Sterling_Bankng I am loving you people especially the person behind this handle. Now I see why I just can't close my account. My ancestors keep whispering to me to stay put because we are attracted to stubborn people. ?????
— Nwabuno Chibogu (@BunoChibogu) July 30, 2018
Hi, @Sterling_Bankng I am trying to open an account but I keep getting this BVN error. What's the way forward? pic.twitter.com/40QS8mDyVu
— Sensei? (@brainysensei) July 30, 2018
Please I must open an account with you guys ooo, I can now see why my friend who works in sterling Bank fits in perfectly ???????? she is extremely stubborn ?
— anita ukpong (@calabar_berry) July 30, 2018
Pls inform on current fixed deposits in Nigeria