Human rights lawyer and member of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry into the outcome of the #EndSARS protest, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to probe telecommunication operators’ alleged disconnection of subscribers.
According to a statement on Sunday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) warned that telcos should not attempt to sabotage the forthcoming protest against economic hardship in Nigeria by restricting internet access among displeased citizens.
“For the past few days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for flimsy and untenable reasons. Some allege lack of NIN registration or linking while some didn’t give any reason at all,” Adegboruwa said.
“This action is coming on the heels of the proposed struggle of the people against hunger, poverty, suffering and the suffocating economic policies of the Tinubu administration.
“From all indications, it would seem that the underlying target of the telecom companies is to limit the reach of their customers in order to restrict access and thus frustrate the protests.”
The senior lawyer said the contract between telecom companies and their subscribers remains sacrosanct and should not be tampered with arbitrarily.
“Sufficient information and opportunity should be given for subscribers to remedy any alleged breach or error.
“So many telephone users deploy their numbers for their businesses and other lawful engagements, not to talk to those who may have medical and health-related emergencies.
“The NCC is urged to look into this and come to the rescue of the subscribers.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
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Lawyer urges NCC to probe telcos for restricting internet access, frustrating protest
NCC urged to ensure uninterrupted internet access during protest
Human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission to ensure uninterrupted internet access during the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.
This follows outrage on social media, with many Nigerians sharing their experiences and complaints on platform X that their SIM cards were barred despite completing the linking exercise.
The nationwide protest, scheduled to commence on August 1, aims to draw attention to the country’s economic woes and demand improved living conditions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria cautioned telecom companies against attempting to stifle the upcoming demonstration against economic hardship by limiting internet access for Nigerians.
Adegboruwa warned that any attempt to restrict internet connectivity would be seen as an attempt to sabotage the citizens’ right to free speech and assembly.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring uninterrupted internet access during the protest, allowing Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights without hindrance.
“For the past few days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for flimsy and untenable reasons.
“Some allege lack of NIN registration or linking, while others didn’t give any reason at all.
“This action is coming on the heels of the proposed struggle of the people against hunger, poverty, suffering, and the suffocating economic policies of the Tinubu administration,” the SAN said.
Adegboruwa emphasised that the contract between telecom companies and their subscribers remains sacrosanct and should not be tampered with arbitrarily.
He added, “Sufficient information and opportunity should be given for subscribers to remedy any alleged breach or error. So many telephone users deploy their numbers for their businesses and other lawful engagements, not to mention those who may have medical and health-related emergencies.
“The NCC is urged to look into this and come to the rescue of the subscribers.”
The human rights activist had notified security agencies, requesting protection for planned public meetings, rallies, and processions organised by the Take It Back Movement, its members, and other patriotic Nigerians and groups.
In a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa, writing as solicitor to the Take It Back Movement, informed the Inspector General of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services that the planned rallies would commence from August 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter.
He said the rallies would be held at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.
Ondo youths reject planned protest, say it’s politically motivated
A group, under the auspices of the platform Coalition of Akoko Youths for Good Governance, in Ondo State, has described the nationwide protest scheduled to take place across the country on August 1, as politically motivated.
The group which declared no interest in the planned protest said that President Bola Tinubu should be given enough time to reposition the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary General of the group, Ayejuyo Tayo, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent on Sunday.
According to the group, which comprises youth leaders across the four local government areas in Akoko land, there was a need for Nigerians to exercise patience and give Tinubu a chance to turn around the fortune of Nigeria but some detractors of the present administration are behind the protest.
The statement read, “Rising from a meeting with our members and after careful deliberations, we have concluded that joining the protest would not be in the best interest of our organisation and the Akoko community and Ondo State in general because it is politically motivated.
“Instead of participating in the protest, we will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with our leaders and work towards building a better future for Akoko land. We believe in the power of youth-led initiatives and will focus on projects that promote education, economic empowerment, and good governance.
“In addition, the youths of Akoko do not want to be seen as an ungrateful set of people. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration appointed our son and brother, Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo, the starboy of this administration and his appointment has been a blessing to Nigerians within and outside the country with his initiatives to rejuvenate the Interior Ministry.”
The group urged Nigerians to continue praying for the prosperity of Nigeria, expressing optimism that the Tinubu administration meant well for the country.
“We urge all Akoko youths to shun the proposed national protest and work towards building a better future for ourselves and our community. We also plead with Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enough time to turn around the economy of the country,” the statement pleaded.
Kogi PDP suspends ward congress indefinitely after thugs raid secretariat
The Kogi State Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Senator Danjuma Laah, has indefinitely postponed the party’s state ward congress initially set for Saturday.
The suspension follows an incident in which hoodlums invaded the party’s state secretariat, stealing sensitive electoral materials.
The decision to halt the congress was made in collaboration with the congress committee chairman, Boyelayefa Debeleme, according to a statement by the committee’s Publicity Secretary, Dayo Akande.
The statement explained that the attackers arrived in an 18-seater bus and other unmarked vehicles.
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“All these happened in the presence of the INEC observer. These unauthorized persons went away with all sensitive materials meant for the congress across the 239 wards of the 21 LGA wards of the state,” Akande noted.
The committee strongly condemned the theft and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies to disregard any results that may come from the disrupted congress.
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Police behaving like APC wing in Edo, says PDP
The Edo State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday alleged that the state police command is acting like a wing of the All Progressives Congress as the September 21 governorship election draws near.
Chairman of the state PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, who stated this at a press conference in Benin, said the disposition might rob the election of the needed playing field for a free and fair election.
The chairman alleged that the PDP has witnessed instances where the police acted in manners that suggest that they were favourably disposed to the opposition party in the state
He said, “This is to express our concern over the police disposition to a level playing field for parties ahead of the September 21, governorship election in the state.
“The party has witnessed instances in which the police acted in manners that suggest that they are a wing of the All Progressives Congress.
“The operatives’ actions and inactions at the state and national level in the wake of developments
appeared to be that they are disposed only of petitions raised
by the APC.”
The PDP chair said disregarding complaints by other actors in the polity portends an ominous sign as the election in Edo State is barely two months away.
Aziegbemi said a few weeks ago, the Deputy Director of Media for the PDP Election Campaign Council, Rev. Olu Martins was invited and arrested by the police based on a petition against him.
He noted that Martins was subsequently arraigned in court and granted bail after meeting the necessary bail conditions set by the trial Judge.
He added, “However, I, the chairman of the PDP in Edo State wrote a petition over comments by the chairman of the State’s chapter of the APC where he threatened to mobilise and lead youths to stone Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
“A video evidence of this threat and an accompanying petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State.
“Surprisingly, no action has been taken on the matter since the petition was submitted, unlike the swift manner in which the Police responded to the petition against Martins.
“The police have also deployed a tactical team of policemen to arrest and harass at least 22
members and leaders of the PDP who are currently under heavy surveillance,” he added.
Reacting, the State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye said the cases have been transferred to Abuja, adding, “whatever observations or comments anybody has should be directed to Abuja.”
Insurgents planning to exploit protest in Yobe – Police
The Yobe State Police Command revealed that it has received intelligence indicating that insurgents are planning to exploit the planned protest to execute heinous acts in the state.
The command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, made the revelation in a statement issued on Sunday.
The command, in the statement, admitted that citizens have constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, but avowed that Yobe State is unprepared to face additional security challenges following the activities of insurgents in Gujba LGA, which led to an IED explosion recently.
“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the planned protests due to sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence,” the command said.
It also warned clandestine groups plotting to destabilise the state and hoodlums seeking to exploit the protests for criminal agendas to desist from carrying out any acts capable of breaching public peace.
The police command enjoined participants to provide protest routes, names and contact information of protest leaders and organisers to facilitate a successful and incident-free protest. The command also asked them to share the measures they put in place to prevent the hijacking of the protest by criminal elements.
“By providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity,” the command PRO stated.
Insurgents planning to exploit protest in Yobe – Police
Kenneth Okonkwo’s resignation not surprising — LP
A few hours after the former spokesman of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, announced his resignation, the leadership of the party has described him as one of the moles in their camp.
Okonkwo dumped LP on Sunday over the lingering internal strife and leadership crisis threatening to tear the party apart.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, said Okonkwo’s departure from the party did not come as a surprise to any of their followers who already knew that he was a mole within their rank.
Ifoh also stated that his attack on Obi, his one-time ally, was needless and rather unfortunate.
He said, “Kenneth Okonkwo’s resignation from the Labour Party didn’t come to us as a surprise. We also think that his attack on the party’s leader, Peter Obi is rather unfortunate, however, we will continue not to dignify him with any response as we understand that his attention-craving attitude knows no bounds.
“Recently a former DG of the party’s presidential campaign organisation (Doyin Okupe) resigned and rejoined the APC. Only last week, an ex-deputy Director General of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC. Today, it is the turn of Mr. Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us.”
He said the party is keeping to its decision to stand with Obi as its leader and presidential hopeful come the 2027 presidential election.
“Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in any way diminish the trust Nigerians, particularly, the Obidients and youths in Nigeria have in him.
“We know that with him, a new Nigeria will be possible. Nigerians spoke loudly in 2023 and they will speak even louder come 2027,” he added.
Inside the 2024 BBNaija house
Here is a sneak peek into the stunning mansion where this season contestants will live together for 71 days.
The highly anticipated BBNaija show premieres tonight, July 28, 2024.
The winner of the competition, which concludes on October 6, 2024, will take home an incredible grand prize of N65 million in cash and a brand-new car.
This season’s theme, “Dynamic Duos,” promises to bring exciting dualities of partners, characters, and big personalities to the Biggieverse, all competing for the massive grand prize worth 100 million naira – comprising N65 million in cash and other exciting prizes.
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Australia beat Zambia in 11-goal thriller
Australia produced an incredible comeback to overturn a three-goal deficit and beat Zambia 6-5 in the Olympic women’s football on Sunday, as World Cup holders Spain secured a quarter-final berth and Japan stunned Brazil.
The Australians got off to a terrible start in Group B with a 3-0 defeat by Germany in their opening game and appeared to be heading for a second straight loss when they trailed Zambia 5-2 early in the second half in Nice.
But the Matildas came roaring back and won an 11-goal thriller thanks to Michelle Heyman’s 90th-minute strike in an unforgettable match.
It was a shocking collapse by Zambia, for whom Barbra Banda opened the scoring in the first minute and went on to net a hat-trick, with Racheal Kundananji scoring twice.
Alanna Kennedy quickly cancelled out Banda’s opener, only for Kundananji to restore Zambia’s lead before Banda made it 3-1.
Hayley Raso pulled one back but Banda scrambled in to complete her hat-trick just before the break and make it 4-2.
Kundananji then headed in for 5-2 on 56 minutes, but defensive gifts by Zambia handed last year’s World Cup semi-finalists a way back into the contest.
Lushomo Mweemba played a clearance from her own line off goalkeeper Ngambo Musole and into the net for an own goal, and the ‘keeper then fumbled in a Steph Catley free-kick for 5-4.
Catley converted a penalty for 5-5 and Heyman ran through for the winner.
Record four-time gold medallists the United States take on Germany in Marseille later in the same group.
• Japan late show –
Spain’s all-star side beat Nigeria 1-0 for their second straight victory in Group C, with former Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas scoring a late free-kick to decide the game in Nantes.
The world champions are now certain to at the very least be one of the best third-placed sides and will be in the quarter-finals.
Earlier in the same group, Momoko Tanikawa scored a stunning 96th-minute winner as Japan netted twice in injury time to come from behind and beat Brazil 2-1 in Paris.
Japan, the 2012 silver medallists, were staring at a second straight defeat in Group C that would have left them in serious danger of a first-round exit after Jhennifer put Brazil ahead early in the second half.
But captain Saki Kumagai rolled in a 92nd-minute penalty to equalise at the Parc des Princes before 19-year-old substitute Tanikawa’s incredible first-time shot from 30 metres sailed over the goalkeeper and in for the winner.
It was a remarkable comeback by Japan, for whom Mina Tanaka had a penalty saved in the first half with the game goalless.
The result means Japan and Brazil — silver medallists in 2004 and 2008 — are now level on three points after two matches.
Colombia beat New Zealand 2-0 in Lyon in Group A, in which hosts France play reigning Olympic champions Canada later.
The Canadians are in turmoil after being deducted six points on Saturday for the spying scandal which led to coach Bev Priestman being suspended for a year by FIFA.
AFP.
UK’s LH Telecommunication acquires 95% stake in 9mobile
A UK-based company, LH Telecommunication Limited, has acquired a majority stake in Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited, the parent company of 9mobile.
According to a statement on Sunday by the company, the acquisition, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, allows a new board to take over the struggling telecom operator.
Although the deal’s financial terms were not disclosed, the company indicated that the takeover is subject to regulatory approvals.
“The investment, approved by the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), the senior lender to 9mobile in May 2023, has resulted in a change in control of 9mobile in favour of the new investor by the issuance of new shares amounting to 95.5 per cent of 9mobile to the new investor in consideration for the injection of fresh capital into the company,” the board said.
The new ownership structure is expected to bring stability and fresh investment to the company, enabling it to compete more effectively in Nigeria’s highly competitive telecom market.
The new board will be chaired by Thomas Etuh, with Nahim Ibraheem and Femi Edun joining as new members.
Additionally, the UK firm has nominated diverse individuals to the board, including a former senator, Daisy Danjuma, Michael Ikpoki, Ibrahim Puri, Gloria Danjuma, and Emmanuel Etuh.
Obafemi Banigbe was appointed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer to lead the company through its transition phase and drive its recovery.
The new CEO, Banigbe, whose appointment was previously announced a few weeks ago, is expected to bring his extensive experience at the C-suite level and a profound understanding of the African business landscape.
9mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, was acquired by Teleology Holdings with high hopes of turning it around but has continued to struggle in the Nigerian market.
The operator has faced customer attrition, losing subscribers from its peak of 22 million in October 2016 to just over 15 million in November 2018.
Six years later, the operator trails behind with 11.7 million voice subscribers and 3.3 million internet users, according to the National Bureau of Statistics Telecoms Data released early this month.