The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has refuted allegations of telephone “tracking ” and “leakage” made against it.
It also said it has reported the allegations to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action.
The allegations came against the background of the recent leakage of a pre-general election telephone conversation in which Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, asked Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide to help him mobilise Christian voters in the South West and Kwara State.
Obi in the leaked telephone conversation described the presidential election as “a religious war. “
Reacting to allegations against it, NCC on Tuesday in a statement by it’s Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been inundated with enquiries by the media on allegations of telephone “tracking” and “leakage” made against the Commission by some individuals and groups in the social and alternative Media.
“The Commission wishes to make the following clarifications:
i. The Commission denies the allegations in their entirety.
ii. By the provisions of the Nigerian Communication Act (NCA) 2003 and other extant Laws of the Federation, the Commission does not and cannot “track” nor “leak” telephone conversations of anyone.
iii. The Commission has reported the allegations, which we take seriously, to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action.
iv. The Commission restates its commitment to discharge its responsibilities to the Nigerian people in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the NCA 2003; and other extant Laws of the Federation; and global best practices.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission denies these allegations and advises the public to disregard them.”