By John Ikani
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a statement refuting claims circulating on social media that it was responsible for leaking the purported audio of a telephone conversation between the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide.
The Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, Reuben Muoka, stated that the commission had no involvement in the purported leaked audio and that it could not track or leak telephone conversations as it was bound by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.
Muoka added that the NCC had reported the allegations to relevant security agencies for investigation and necessary action.
The commission reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities to the Nigerian people in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the NCA 2003, and global best practices.
What the NCC is saying
It 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.”
