Nigerians on social media have reacted to federal government’s apology over a misleading tweet on Thursday ordering all account holders to re-register their accounts to avoid transaction restriction.
The federal government had in a tweet on Thursday ordered all account holders in financial institutions to re-register their accounts.
It even threatened to block access to defaulters' accounts or impose a monetary penalty.
The tweets read, "This is to notify the general public that all account holders in Financial Institutions (Banks, Insurance Companies, etc) are required to obtain, complete and submit Self - Certification Forms to their respective Financial Institutions.
"Persons holding accounts in different financial institutions is required to complete & submit the form to each one of the institutions. The forms are required by the relevant financial institutions to carry out due diligence procedures in line with the Income Tax Regulations 2019.
"The self-certification form is in 3 categories: Form for Entity, for Controlling Person (Individuals having controlling interest in a legal person, trustee, etc), form for individual.
"Failure to comply with the requirement to administer or execute this form attracts sanctions which may include monetary penalty or inability to operate the account. For more enquiries, visit FIRS' website."
But the order sparked public outrage as Nigerians on social media fired missiles against the FG over the New anti People policy.
However, the Federal Government in another tweet on Friday apologised for posting the misleading tweet, clarifying that the order regarding the completion of self-certification forms does not apply to all account holders but only to Reportable Persons.
The tweet reads," We apologize for the misleading tweets (now deleted) that went up yesterday, regarding the completion of self-certification forms by Reportable Persons. The message contained in the @firsNigeria Notice does not apply to everybody. FIRS will issue appropriate clarification shortly.
Unsatisfied with the government’s apology, some Nigerians opined that the new policy is a test running for CAMA law, urging Churches in the country to wake up.
Some also said the government did not make any mistake in posting the tweet, they said that the government deleted the tweet to modify it.
Below are some of the reactions National Pivot gathered:
Ibrahim Audu Chiroma
"Is not a mistake! Church watch & pray. CAMA test runs.
Iyke Akatobi
"The apology makes no difference watch out for part 2 of the same policy directive,Nigerians don't be deceived. The policy leaked while they're working on it. Expect it in another form and name I assure you.They meant it it's not a mistake but they can't handle the negative reaction it's generating adding to fuel price hike
Debayo Kola
"The public outcry that greeted the draconian directive forced the confused firs to debunk the story. Kudos to all nigerians for resisting the imposition of an ill conceived policy.
Ajogun Larris
"They just revealed their intention. They will modify it. Watch out!
Fabunmi F. Tope
"Why the apology, only fools will be surprised about the turn of events. The Ministers are bunch of Confusionists, no coordinated policies and all these results to divergent views.
When will Humanitarian Minister offers her Own apology for deceiving us all on School Home feeding during the Pandemic ?