The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has refuted allegations that it was responsible for the recent leak of the telephone audio conversation between Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party for the February 25 presidential election, and Bishop David Oyedepo, the general overseer of the Living Faith Church.
Peter Obi's spokesperson, Valentine Obienyem, has accused NCC of leaking the clip in which the Labour Party candidate for president was heard pleading with Oyedepo to mobilize Christians in support of him before the 2023 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.
Although it omitted to specifically mention the Obi/Oyedepo audio file that was released, the NCC, in an apparent response to the allegation, disputed the claims in a statement by Reuben Muoka, its Director of Public Affairs.
The NCC further stated that it is prohibited from "tracking" or "leaking" the telephone conversations of any individual by the Act's operating rules and other current regulations in the nation.
Nonetheless, NCC stated that it takes the accusations seriously and has informed the appropriate security agencies for a thorough investigation and appropriate 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.
Full statement below:
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.
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