4th April, 2023
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied claims that it was behind the recent leakage of the telephone audio conversation between the General Overseer of Living Faith Church Bishop David Oyedepo and the candidate of Labour Party in February 25 presidential election, Peter Obi.
Spokesperson for Peter Obi, Valentine Obienyem, had blamed NCC for leakage of the the audio in which the Labour Party presidential candidate was heard begging Oyedepo to campaign for him among Christians before the 2023 presidential election.
“I heard they set up a Committee made up of some Communications experts, headed by our prodigal brother from Nnewi. They are reviewing all calls Obi made in the last three years, and especially now to see if he mentioned Interim Government or anything that will make them prosecute him for treason when and if they take over,” he said.
But in obvious response to the allegation, the NCC, in a statement by Reuben Muoka, its Director, Public Affairs denied the allegations, though it failed to make direct reference to the Obi/Oyedepo leaked audio file
NCC added that by the provisions of the Act guiding its operations and other extant laws of the country, it does not and cannot “track” nor “leak” telephone conversations of anyone.
NCC, however, noted that it takes the allegations seriously and has reported it to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action.
“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.
Read the full statement below
PRESS STATEMENT
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.
Signed:
Reuben Muoka
Director, Public Affairs
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
4th April 2023