By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technology, Mr. Ibrahim Pantami, has said he will not condone the relationship
where telecommunication companies (Telcos) who are operators compromise the regulators even as he said that such hitherto dependency cannot thrive under his leadership.
The Nigerian Communications Communication (NCC), has been majorly being the regulator in the telecommunication industry.
Pantami, made the disclosure in a statement signed by his Spokesperson, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, reiterated that the existing relationship between regulators and operators which more often than not, compromises the former, is one that cannot thrive under the current leadership.
The Minister, expressed his determination to ensure that the unhealthy dependence of regulators on operators is addressed, so that regulators can be very objective.
He said: “We hereby urge the general public, to be alert to the shady activities of these corrupt individuals, and disregard any information that contravenes the policies of the Ministry. We will continue to render public service in line with global best practice.
“This is to notify the general public that the office of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, is not unaware of the clandestine attempts by some unpatriotic elements at sabotaging the efforts being made by the Ministry to deliver its mandate to Nigerians.”
Pantami, alluded that It is no longer news that the proactive policy direction, anti corruption and economically empowering principles, characteristic of the current leadership has impacted hugely on the lives of ordinary Nigerians who have hitherto been helpless in the face of blatant exploitation.
Since assumption of office, he acknowledged that he has rolled out policies that strive to protect the consumer and entrench discipline and professionalism in the sector, adding that this stand has obviously ruffled some feathers whose sole aim is to discredit Pantami’s mass-friendly policies.
He said: “Investigations into the suspicious activities of some disgruntled elements, has exposed attempts at a malicious smear campaign, bankrolled by unscrupulous elements are uncomfortable with the Minister’s people-oriented policies because, they can no longer conduct business as usual.
“The strategy is to compromise the media, using financial inducements and they have raised a considerable amount of money for this campaign.
“The objective of this bogus façade, is to intimidate us into allowing the continued exploitation of Nigerians by compromising regulators. The gentlemen and women of the esteemed fourth estate of the realm are hereby called upon, to shun all attempts at demeaning the noble pen profession and uphold the integrity of their character.
“We commend the resilience of some media persons who resisted the lure of evil, refused to be compromised and reached out to us. We are proud of the level of professionalism and patriotism demonstrated by the press which resulted in the woeful failure of the despicable campaign.”
The Minister, added that he considers it duty-bound, to provide non-discriminatory policy directions for the benefit of every Nigerian, ensure that consumers are protected from exploitation, provide an enabling environment for investors and operators, and enhance the independence of all regulatory Parastatals under his purview.