MSD accuses online medium of plagiarism, professional misconduct, mischief, says Ibori, Okowa not 'Fighting dirty' over anybody

The Movement for Stronger Delta (MSD) has made a damning case of professional misconduct against an online medium (names withheld) which lifted a story from a newspaper and without attribution and went ahead to twist the story by giving it meaning in a headline not intended by the original writer and medium. In rejoinder to the offending story by MSD National Co-ordinator, Dr. Festus Bomo Patani, the group took a swipe at the online publishing medium, accusing it of ethical misconduct of plagiarism, and distorting the original story of the writer by misinforming readers in the new headline it gave to the story. The group said: "The online publication in question, copied THE STORY verbatim, and then proceeded, for reasons best known to the publisher, to change the headline from the original, without informing the readers or even acknowledging the source and author of the original story; and this, from every professional standpoint, is a crass and brazen display of unethical journalism, bordering on plagiarism. Journalists must be cautioned to avoid sensationalism and inaccurate reportage intended to deliberately mislead the people, especially when they copy stories from other more seasoned and recognized mainstream publications." Below is full text of the MSD rejoinder. January 17th, 2022 2023: IBORI, OKOWA NOT 'FIGHTING DIRTY' OVER ANYBODY The attention of the Movement for Stronger Delta, MSD, has been drawn to a recent publication by a pan-Delta online platform, titled: "DELTA 2023: Okowa, Ibori Fight Dirty Over Successor", and posted on several social media groups and portals on Sunday, January 16, 2021. As a conscious and proactive Movement, determined and committed to ensuring a stronger, peaceful, and united Delta, in the run-up to the 2023 elections and beyond, it behoves us to set a few records straight, concerning this publication, as our own way of educating and informing Deltans with accurate, verifiable information on the true position of affairs and also protecting ourselves from misleading misinformation that is capable of heating up the polity and instigating unnecessary and avoidable conflicts, provocations and conflagrations in the State. 1. The original story was first published with the title: "DELTA 2023: Okowa, Ibori face up on successor...•Gov takes charge but counter-attack looms", written by Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South and Published in Saturday Vanguard, January 15, 2022. 2. The online publication in question, copied THE STORY verbatim, and then proceeded, for reasons best known to the publisher, to change the headline from the original, without informing the readers or even acknowledging the source and author of the original story; and this, from every professional standpoint, is a crass and brazen display of unethical journalism, bordering on plagiarism. Journalists must be cautioned to avoid sensationalism and inaccurate reportage intended to deliberately mislead the people, especially when they copy stories from other more seasoned and recognized mainstream publications. 3. There is a fundamental headline difference between: "Face up" in the original story and "Fight Dirty" in the copied online version, which every journalist worth his salt, especially those knowledgeable enough in the basic use of the English language, which is the major tool and instrument of the profession, should know and apply in their proper contexts. 4. For the avoidance of doubt and for the purposes of educating the Journalist against future ignorances: "FACE UP: means 'To confront or deal directly with someone or something previously avoided", while "FIGHT DIRTY: means, 'To use every possible way and especially the most treacherous way, to beat someone in a fight' 5. Translations. "Face Up" literally means 'to accept the reality that a difficult situation exists and to confront the situation directly and accept responsibility, blame, for whatever outcome emerges. "Fight Dirty" on the other hand literally means 'to use the worst ways, and not playing by the rules or fighting without honour, to achieve a result. 6. In other words, it is already common knowledge in Delta State, that the succession process in the State PDP, with its intrigues and entrenched Interests, is likely going to become a difficult situation if it is not properly guided and managed. This, however, is quite a common occurrence in the political landscape especially when elections approach. 7. Both Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief James Ibori, as astute, progressive, and well-experienced leaders of the Delta PDP, understand the situation perfectly and having achieved many successes, both individually and for the party in numerous political battles over the years, have 'faced up' to the reality of the situation and pledged, as the original story confirms, to allow the process unfold in accordance with the rules. They have accepted as leaders, to show example, by 'playing by the rules' and not 'fighting dirty' by any stretch of imagination, so one wonders where the publisher of the online Portal got the information that compelled the change in the title of the original piece. 8. It is important at this juncture to state unequivocally that Comrade Emma Amaize is a highly respected and much-decorated, multiple award-winning, national, and globally recognized veteran journalist, who has brought great acceptability and prominence to the profession. His credibility is impregnable. He takes no prisoners, kowtows to no interests, and his reports and analysis are grounded, corroborated, and substantiated by impeccable, unimpeachable sources. In fact, without any prejudice at all, he can be described as an Institution of reference in Political Journalism and Niger Delta affairs. You can take whatever he has written to the bank and get abundant credit for its veracity. 9. His story on the Delta 2023 succession process, from its title to its conclusion, is objective, factual, concise, and verifiable. There's nowhere in the story that he suggested or even hinted that Ibori and Okowa are 'fighting dirty'. In fact like the thoroughbred professional, with an excellent mastery of the semantics and morphology of the English language, he has chosen the verb 'Face up', which is not only apt in the context but also captures and embraces the collective brinkmanship and attendant auxiliary fallouts that have defined the succession process so far. Young and aspiring Journalists, especially in the largely unregulated online space, can learn quite a lot from the writings of Comrade Emma Amaize. 10. Finally, we want to state categorically once again, that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief James Ibori are not 'fighting dirty' over any successor. In fact, the story itself makes that succinctly clear when the writer stated in paragraphs 20 and 21 that: "Thought-provoking, however, is the information corroborated by multiple sources that Governor Okowa had met with the former Governor, Chief James Ibori, to discuss the issue of his successor in 2023. "Saturday Vanguard learned that Ibori pointed out his favourite candidate (names withheld) to Okowa, but the Governor opposed his choice and voiced his first choice (names also withheld) based on competence. Both men differed but mutually agreed that they would settle the score at the primaries if there was no meeting point before then". That, fellow Deltans, ladies and gentlemen, is the true position of things. QED. Political analysts and commentators, as well as compatriot politicians and colleagues, will confirm that if there is one political leader in the country, who has made playing by the rules a sacrosanct and irrevocable principle in his political lexicon and agenda, then that leader is without doubt Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. His political trajectory is replete with impressive examples of his doggedness to ensure that the right thing is done, always. He does not Fight Dirty, but prefers to deploy superior strategic, astute, and pragmatic political acumen to achieve victories that cannot be overturned. A fine example is the 2011 Delta North Senatorial Primaries where he even had to engage and fund national television networks from his own pocket, to beam the event live to the entire world and avoid any controversies. Chief James Ibori, on the other hand, is a veteran of many rigorous, successful and victorious political battles. He has the scars to prove it and it is also on record that he sourced and harnessed the skills and exceptional talents of leading political figures in the State like Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, and a host of others, to work in and within his Executive cabinet, when he was Governor of Delta State. That is why today, he is reverentially hailed and addressed as the 'Godfather' of Delta politics. He definitely would not "Fight Dirty" with the same people he has worked together with for years. Only the uninformed or downright mischievous cretins would suggest such a nebulous scenario. As true and responsible party leaders, they have faced up to the challenge(s) which the 2023 succession process may pose. There is no doubt whatsoever that as the situation unravels, both leaders will once again work together with other party leaders, elders, and stakeholders across the three Senatorial zones and the entrenched interest groups and blocks, in rigorous consultations, dynamic negotiations, and harmonious cooperation, to determine and deliver the best man or woman for Delta State in 2023. That, in clear terms, is the SIMPLE Agenda. Signed: Dr. Festus Bomo Patani National Co-ordinator, MOVEMENT FOR STRONGER DELTA (MSD)

Reps Minority Caucus scorns FG on Twitter ban lift, says govt has no right to regulate Freedom of Expression

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned in strong terms the declaration by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government of Nigeria that it has lifted the ban on the use of Twitter in Nigeria, affirming that the ban in the first place was unconstitutional The Caucus described the “declaration” as a further demonstration of the Federal Government's appetite to suppress constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens in Nigeria. In a statement on Friday by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the caucus held that freedom of speech and opinion by Nigerians, including expressing such through social media tools like Twitter, are clearly guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and cannot be subjected to partisan approval or regulation under a democratic rule. “That is why at the wake of the ban on the use of Twitter in Nigeria in June 2021, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives forcefully condemned the decision as provocative, obnoxious and unjustifiable clampdown on the rights of Nigerians which also showed the APC government’s intolerance and aversion to the views, opinions and aspirations of Nigerian citizens, especially the youths, on matters of state. “It was also in the light of that that the Minority Caucus in the National Assembly stood by the law and charged Nigerians to continue using Twitter irrespective of the unconstitutional ban, since they would not be contravening any known law in Nigeria or any international statutes. “Our caucus holds that the declaration of a lift on the ban on Twitter amounts to regulatory approval on freedom of speech, which is completely unknown to our laws. The APC government should rather be apologizing to Nigerians for infringing on their rights as well as for the huge economic losses recorded as a result of the ban,” the Minority Reps stated in the Statement. The Caucus therefore, insisted that instead of seeking to suppress free speech in Nigeria, the APC government should be open to the views of Nigerians and make adjustments for the good of the nation. While commending Nigerians for their resilience, innovations and resistance to suppression by the APC government, the Minority Caucus assured that they will never relent in fighting for the rights of the people at all times.

Nigeria@61: Reps Minority Caucus charges Nigerians not to give up hope

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has charged Nigerians not to allow the hardship occasioned by the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to make them give up hope in Nigeria as their country. The Caucus in a statement by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu on Friday, October 01, 2021, commended the commitment of Nigerians towards the task of nation building, despite daunting challenges. The Federal lawmakers lamented that despite the fact that Nigeria remains a nation blessed with abundant natural and human resources with patriotic zeal, for the last six years, the citizens have been subjected to the worst form of inhuman treatment, in violation of the reasons for independence and democratic tenets The Statement Reads: Independence Anniversary: Don’t Give Up Hope, Minority Reps Charges Nigerians As the nation celebrates her 61st Independence Anniversary, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives, charges Nigerians not to allow the hardship occasioned by the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to make them give up hope in Nigeria as their country. Nigeria is a nation blessed not only with abundant natural resources, but most importantly, patriotic citizens that have remained resilient and committed to task of nation building, despite the daunting challenges. It is lamentable that in the last six years, our compatriots have been subjected to the worst forms of state-backed injustice, deprivation, suppression, abuse of rights, economic strangulation, electoral manipulations, violence and traumatizing bondage mentality; in violation of the essentials of independence, particularly in a democratic setting. With total disregard for the tenets of our constitutional democracy comes dereliction of duty, recklessness, entrenched corruption in high places, counterproductive economic policies, infrastructural stagnation and national retrogression. The 61st Independence Anniversary therefore presents to leaders at all levels, the opportunity to redirect the tide by giving greater commitment to issues of good governance, justice, equity, fairness as well as the overall development security and wellbeing of Nigerians in such a manner that reflects their aspirations as free citizens. Our caucus commends Nigerians as true agents of nation building and urges them to use the occasion of this year’s independence anniversary to revamp the bond of unity, love and oneness of purpose for which we are known. The caucus also salutes the gallantry of our troops, who are putting their lives on the line to safeguard our nation, and for which many of them have paid the supreme price. On our part, the Minority Caucus remains resolute and unwavering in using all legislative instruments at our disposal in protecting and projecting the interest of Nigerians at all times. The Minority Caucus congratulates Nigerians and wishes them happy independence anniversary celebrations.

Okowa signs Delta State anti-open grazing bill into law, lists law benefits

Delta State today joined other states in the country to put in place a law to prevent open grazing with the signing into law by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa the anti-open grazing bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly. Known as the Delta State Livestock, Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill, 2021, otherwise known as Anti-Open Grazing Bill, the governor called on the Federal Government to assist interested farmers to establish ranches across the country. Okowa made this known after assenting to two Bills passed by Delta State House of Assembly, at Government House, Asaba. The Bills, including Delta State Urban and Regional Planning Bill 2020, were presented to Okowa by the Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, in company with principal officers of the Assembly. The governor said that the two laws were very important to the state, adding that the Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulations law had taken a new life of its own in the country. He recalled that the Southern Governors met and took certain decisions which they believed was in the best interest of the nation. "Today is quite a remarkable day in the history of this state because we signed two important bills into law this morning. "We believe that it is in the best interest of security; we also believe that it is in the best interest of ensuring food security and that it will help us to ensure that we are able to cause people from across this nation who will find themselves outside their own states inhabiting in Delta State to live with Deltans in a peaceful and respectable manner with each other. "We believe as the Southern Governors had stated that we must start to look into other ways of ensuring that we are able to breed and that we are able to rear our cattle and other livestock in such a manner that is acceptable in modern times. "We believe that this is something that is workable; many times it is difficult for people to embrace change, but I believe that the world all over is changing by the day and if you find that change is going to bring peace, if you find that change is going to bring development and even economic enhancement, it should truly be embraced. "I think that it is time for our nation to depart from the old ways and to look into the future, ensuring that we do things in the best way for development. "We must encourage best actions to be taken towards ensuring that there is peaceful coexistence within the various ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and the various states and also ensuring that we are able to do our businesses in such a manner that is respectable and I think that is what this law stands for," he said. Okowa said that the law was not enacted to witch-hunt anybody, but to encourage people to live with each other, respecting each other’s view, noting that the Delta State House of Assembly had done the state proud. "Today, Delta State can rightly boast that we now have a law that regulates livestock breeding, rearing and marketing and a law that also prohibits open grazing. "It is one law that every one of us in this country should truly support; it is something that is in the best interest of us all. "I want to urge all who are into livestock business to realise that this law has been signed and it is in the best interest of everybody, including those who are into livestock breeding, rearing and marketing business. "There has to be some decency brought into it, and there has to be some reasonable level of respect for each other and even the rights that we tend to claim. "Everybody has their own rights but it is important that we respect each other’s rights; every man's right has a limit because you cannot infringe on the rights of somebody else. "As a government, we encourage our people to gradually go into ranching because it will help our people, it will help to boost the economy of even the livestock breeders. "I believe that with time they will come to realise that these laws being passed would help to boost the economy, going into the future," he said. He called on Federal Government to put processes in place to assist in various ways to enable people to establish ranches, saying ``this is very important because if we do not do something now, in the nearest future we will find that we will definitely be having food scarcity and the insecurity that we find in our country we may not be able to address them. "We should take very stringent and supportive measures to ensure that there is control in terms of open grazing and that there is respect among citizens because we are a united country. "We have accepted to be one nation and everything that will strengthen the unity of this country, every government in this country both at the national and the sub-national levels, must truly support it.’’ On the Urban and Regional Planning law, Okowa said that it will enable the state to have a planned development with proper regulations and a formal establishment of the Ministry of Urban Planning backed by law. "I believe that the very challenging areas we had in the former law have been corrected now and so it will be possible to continue to develop our urban centres within the context of the law without having any challenges in the way. "This new law formally recognises the establishment of the Ministry of Urban Planning and I believe that is very important because we need to have liveable cities and if we are to have liveable cities there must be laws regulating and control of development of urban cities and that has been given life to by this law," he stated. He thanked the parliament for working always in the interest of the state and for taking its work very seriously. Earlier, Oborevwori had said that Delta State Urban and Regional Planning Bill, 2020 was aimed at development of the State through a proper mechanism for urban and regional planning to ensure compliance with laid down laws. He added that the passing of the Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill, 2021 was in fulfillment of one of the agreements reached at the Southern Governors’ meeting held here in Asaba the State Capital. "I believe that by virtue of this Bill the Delta State Government under your very able leadership has demonstrated its resolve to protect the people of our dear State from the menace of clashes between herders and farmers. "I also believe that this Bill will boost food production in the State as farmers can now go about their businesses without fear of anyone grazing on their crops," Oborevwori stated.

Atiku pays tribute to IBB at 80

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has described former military President General Ibrahim Babangida as a pillar of unity and a firm believer in one Nigeria. In a goodwill message on the occasion of Babangida's 80th birthday anniversary on Tuesday, 17th of August, Atiku stated that IBB established a record of an inclusive government that reflected Nigeria's ethnic and religious diversity. "You can't deny IBB the credit for his sincere efforts to build a viable federation founded on equitable representation", Atiku said in the statement signed by Paul Ibe, his Media Adviser. The former Vice President noted that even Babangida's most stubborn critics can't deny the fact that the former military leader had built a solid national infrastructure for the country which is still standing and visible around the country. Atiku also paid tribute to IBB for assembling one of the best and most formidable cabinets in our recent history because of his commitment to excellence. The former Vice President commended Babangida's remarkable childhood history. He said the General lost both his parents at an early age and had to struggle to pull himself up in life. He described IBB as a man of vast knowledge, wisdom, wealth of experience and broad outlook on life. He prayed to Allah to grant him more years in good health and vitality. Signed: Paul Ibe Media Adviser to H.E Atiku Abubakar Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007 Abuja. 16th August, 2021

ANALYSIS - Another surprise from PDP's bag of tricks

By Ehichioya Ezomon Time and again, the Peoples Democratic Party has demonstrated a capacity for declaring any election it loses - and unfavourable court judgments therefrom - as a mandate stolen from the party through manipulation of the electoral processes.

No matter how credible the poll, how roundly it's beaten, and the margin of the lead, the PDP would hold its main rival, the All Progressives Congress, in cahoots with the electoral umpire and security agencies as denying it the position(s) on offer. When the PDP lost the October 2020 Ondo gubernatorial race, on the back of its surprise win of the Edo State poll the previous month, the party resorted to its pastime of blaming the APC. The PDP refused to admit its miscalculation in the choice of its deputy governorship candidate, leading to divided votes the party could've secured to stand a chance at the balloting. The voting over, PDP shifted attention to the courts, to "retrieve our stolen mandate" it didn't win, as the Independent National Electoral Commission posted results from polling units on its portal for "real-time viewing." Disappointed by the Election Petitions Tribunal and Appeal Court, the PDP moved to the Supreme Court. As the apex court also refused it judgment by a split decision of four to three, the PDP loudly interpreted the minority ruling as ousting the APC's caretaker committee and its chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni, and called on the INEC to delist the APC. But when the APC publicised the aspects of the ruling that touched on the two thorny issues, it's mum in the PDP camp, prompting speculations that the party might finally rest the case. Keen watchers of the polity weren't deceived, though, as they predicted the PDP would pull another surprise from its "bag of tricks" to assail the APC, and the party didn't disappoint. The PDP has upped the ante by demanding that Buni be sacked as governor of Yobe State, for holding dual "executive" positions simultaneously, and "breaching" the amended 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the constitution of the APC. Malam Buni was elected governor in 2019, and in 2020, he's appointed by the National Executive Committee of the APC to head the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, even as he retains the position of governor. This formed the premise of the PDP appeal at the Supreme Court, arising from rulings of the lower courts that affirmed the declaration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) as winner of the Ondo poll. The PDP and its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) had argued that Akeredolu was wrongly nominated, as Buni, who forwarded His name to INEC, was in violation of section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, and article 17(4) of the APC constitution. Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution states that: "The Governor shall not, during the period he holds office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever," while article 17(4) of the APC constitution stipulates that: "No officer in any organ of the Party shall hold executive office in government concurrently." So, to the PDP, the Supreme Court should hold that Akeredolu wasn't qualified to contest the 2020 poll, as Buni breached the law by forwarding Akeredolu's name to INEC. But the court, in a split decision of four to three on July 28, 2021, ruled that Akeredolu was lawfully nominated, as Buni only represented the APC that fielded Akeredolu for the election. The court held that "the law is and remains that the provisions that gover n sponsorship and nomination of candidates in an election are: Sections 31 and 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended." "That sponsorship of a candidate in an election is that of the party and not the individual Officer... forwarding the name of the candidate," the court ruled, adding that, "there is no provision in the Electoral Act prescribing any form for forwarding or submission of the sponsored candidate of a political party in an election." On PDP's plea to disqualify Akeredolu on the basis of Buni violating section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, the Justices held that "no other Law/Act can be relied upon to disqualify a candidate in an election save for the provisions of Section 182 of the CFRN." "Sections 177 and 182 of the CFRN, which make provisions for qualifications and disqualification of candidates for Governorship election, are exhaustive and leave no room for any addition." The Justices declared that failure of the appellants to join Buni as a respondent was fatal to their case, rejected their entreaty to be declared winner, and affirmed Akeredolu as duly elected But in a minority ruling, three of the Justices questioned the validity of the Buni-led caretaker committee, which it declared illegal, and held that the APC erred by allowing a sitting governor as its national chairman, against section 183 of the 1999 Constitution. The Justices also ruled that it wasn't mandatory for the appellants (Jegede and PDP) to join Buni, as the governor was an embodiment of the APC that's a respondent in the matter. The PDP, relying on the minority ruling, and the unanimous opinion of the Justices that politicians should obey the laws of their parties, has gone to court again, to demand Buni's sack as governor. The PDP also prays the court to disqualify Buni's deputy, Idi Barde Gubana, from taking over as governor, and install PDP's Amb. Umar Iliya and Dama Baba Abba Aji, as governor and deputy governor. Besides, the PDP seeks a declaration that Buni's actions, as the chairman of the APC caretaker committee, while he remains the governor of Yobe State, "are wrongful, null and void." In an originating summons filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 12, 2021, through Chief Emeka Etiaba (SAN), the PDP poses several questions for the determination of the court: * Whether the 1st defendant (Buni) did not breach the clear provisions of section 183 of the 1999 Constitution when, as the governor of Yobe State, he accepted the 3rd defendant (APC) appointment as its caretaker Committee Chairman and proceeded to occupy the office. * Whether the 1st defendant, who is the governor of Yobe State and the Caretaker Committee chairman of the 3rd defendant (APC), has not ceased to hold the office of Governor of Yobe State, having regard to the provisions of section 183 of the 1999 constitution. * Having regard to the clear provisions of section 187(1) of the 1999 constitution and the state of law, whether the 2nd plaintiff (Dama Baba Abba Aji), can lawfully occupy the office of the governor or deputy governor of Yobe State upon the cessation of Governor Buni occupation of the office. The PDP urges the court to order the Chief Judge of Yobe State or any other relevant judge, "to immediately swear in Umar Iliya and Dama Baba Abba Aji as governor and deputy governor of the state, respectively, as the offices have become vacant." The PDP, aiming to swing the matter it failed to achieve at the polls, and through the lower and appellate courts, may appear as an interloper, a "busy body" prying into the home affairs of a rival. Anyway, didn't Jegede say he declined to join Buni as respondent because the governor has immunity? Has Buni waived the immunity, or the PDP really believes he has forfeited the governorship by chairing the APC caretaker committee? The APC has slammed the PDP as engaging in "abuse of court processes" that the APC hopes the court would punish. Secretary of APC's caretaker committee, Sen. Akpan Udoedehe, said the PDP "is obviously executing a desperate and poorly-scripted plot at deflecting attention from its crisis of confidence." "The PDP is an ignominious rabble-rouser and has no locus to take any action on the internal affairs of the APC," Sen. Udoedehe said, adding, "the Supreme Court has already affirmed the status and legality of the CECPC and that is all there is to it." The PDP is, indeed, hurting, as cacophonous voices have risen against the party chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, to resign his position in the National Working Committee. So, what better way to arrest the rumpus than for the PDP to "regain its stolen mandate" in Yobe State! And what a master stroke that would be ahead of the crucial 2023 general election! * Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

MRA Calls on Federal Government to Reverse Steady Decline in Internet Subscriptions in Nigeria

LAGOS, Monday, August 16, 2021: Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today called on the Federal Government and its relevant agencies to take urgent measures to reverse the steady decline in the number of Nigerians online, saying the Government’s efforts should now be geared towards ensuring that every citizen is connected to the Internet rather than pushing those already connected off the grid. In a statement issued in Lagos, MRA’s Communications Officer, Mr. Idowu Adewale, noted that from the monthly figures published by the National Communications Commission (NCC) of active Internet subscriptions in Nigeria, the number of active Internet subscriptions in Nigeria has been steadily declining over a period of eight months, between November 2020 and June 2021, the latest month for which subscription data is available. According to him, in November 2020, there were 154,437,623 active Internet subscriptions in Nigeria across three different communication technologies, namely the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication, fixed wired telephone, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), but the number dropped slightly to 153,873,786 in December 2020 and then sharply to 150,898,122 in January 2021. Mr. Adewale observed that since then, the figure has continued to fall monthly at an alarming rate, going to 148,133,233 in February 2021, 144,581,026 in March; 141,407,324 in April; 140,132,128 in May and currently standing at 139,814,913 as at June. He stressed that “The rate at which Nigeria is bleeding Internet subscribers is extremely worrying and unacceptable, particularly at a time when the global preoccupation and efforts are directed at ensuring that all remaining unconnected people around the world get online. This situation in Nigeria obviously constitutes an impediment to that global effort.” Mr. Adewale said: “Besides the fact that access to the Internet enables people to exercise and enjoy their rights, the lack of access obviously has other far reaching negative consequences for those who are excluded, for the quality of lives that they have, their livelihoods as well as their participation in many social, economic and political activities. Even before the current COVID-19 context, many public services and benefits were becoming available virtually only to those with Internet access. In the current environment where many social and economic activities are taking place online, there can be no justification for this situation which serves to deprive significant numbers of citizens access to such services and benefits.” He called on the government and its various departments and agencies with responsibilities in the Internet and telecommunications sectors to make a serious effort to identify the causes of the steady decline in Internet subscriptions, adopt and implement measures to address them and other barriers to connectivity for all Nigerians, including the high cost of data and devices such as smart phones and computer equipment.