The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Tuesday denied allegations that it has been wire-tapping or bughing Peoples telephone lines.
In a statement by Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, such insinuations do not reflect the truth, asding that security agencies have been contacted to investigate such allegations.
He stated emphatically that NCC does not track nor leak telephone conversations of anyone, adding that by the provisions of the Nigerian Communication Act (NCA) 2003 and other extant Laws of the Federation, the Commission is forbidden to do any such thing.
Muoka had stated: 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: The Commission denies the allegations in their entirety.
“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.
“The Commission has reported the allegations, which we take seriously, 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,” he said.
Recall that Peopes Gazette online medium had published what it dubbed an Investigative report regarding telephone conversation between the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, seeking the Bishop’s support during the last presidential election.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had alleged that Obi’s alleged conversation with Oyedepo amounted to playing religiosity card in politics, an allegation Obi and Oyedepo roundly disclaimed.