News
ActionAid Calls on ICPC, EFCC to Investigate Appointments into MTN’s Board
ActionAid Calls on ICPC, EFCC to Investigate Appointments into MTN’s Board
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has condemned MTN Nigeria, the prominent telecommunications company, for its controversial board appointments, which showed the inclusion of former top government officials with regulatory, pensions and taxation authorities.
This has sparked concern about the company’s transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Country Director of AAN, Andrew Mamedu, called on ICPC and FG to Investigate MTN Nigeria’s Controversial Board Appointments.
Mamedu stated that: “The appointments of former government officials which includes Ernest Ndukwe, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ifueko M Omoigui Okauru, former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Omobola Johnson, Nigeria’s former Minister of Communication Technology and Mr. MK. Ahmad, the pioneer Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Pension Commission, raise serious concerns about corporate governance, regulatory capture, and conflicts of interest.”
He added that: “It is unacceptable that MTN Nigeria, a company entrusted with providing essential telecommunications services to millions of Nigerians, would choose to stack its board with individuals who have a history of regulatory oversight, pensions, and taxation authorities. This move raises serious concerns about the potential for backdoor negotiations and conflicts of interest, as well as the impact on the Nigerian community. By allowing former government officials who were supposed to regulate MTN Nigeria to occupy top positions on its board, there is a risk of regulatory capture and undue influence over regulatory decisions. This not only undermines the integrity of our institutions but also jeopardizes the interests of consumers, investors, and shareholders.
“ActionAid Nigeria demands that MTN Nigeria must immediately reconsider its board appointments and ensure that future appointments are made in a transparent and accountable manner, with due consideration given to the principles of diversity, independence, and expertise.
“Furthermore, we urge the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate these appointments and take appropriate action to hold MTN Nigeria accountable for any breaches of regulatory standards or corporate governance norms.’’
AAN also demands that: “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding MTN Nigeria’s board appointments to determine whether there have been any acts of corruption, regulatory capture, or abuse of power. This investigation must include examining the selection process, evaluating potential conflicts of interest, and scrutinising any undue influence exerted by former government officials.
“The Federal Government must also launch an independent investigation into MTN Nigeria’s board appointments to determine the extent of regulatory capture and conflicts of interest; strengthen regulatory oversight of the telecommunications sector to prevent the undue influence of corporate interests on regulatory agencies; and impose penalties or sanctions on MTN Nigeria if it is found to have violated regulatory standards or corporate governance norms.
“The actions of the Federal Government and ICPC must send a clear message that it will not tolerate corporate misconduct or abuse of power, especially when it comes to companies that play such a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic development and social progress.”
Andrew Mamedu reiterated that “ICPC cannot stand idly by while corporations like MTN Nigeria undermine the integrity of our institutions and exploit regulatory loopholes for their own benefit. It is time for MTN Nigeria to recognise that its actions have real consequences for the people of Nigeria, particularly investors and the integrity of the country’s institutions. We urge MTN Nigeria to act swiftly and decisively to address these concerns and restore public trust in its operations.”
ActionAid Calls on ICPC, EFCC to Investigate Appointments into MTN’s Board
Troops engage terrorists, recover rifle, motorcycle in Katsina operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have engaged suspected terrorists and recovered a rifle and a motorcycle during separate operations in Kankara and Malumfashi Local Government Areas of Katsina State, security sources said.
Sources disclosed that at about 7:45 a.m. on March 15, troops of 17 Brigade Nigerian Army operating from Forward Operating Base Mabai made contact with suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol along the Kankara–Mabai Road.
The encounter occurred around Ruwan Lafia crossing point, where the troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandoning a motorcycle, which has been taken into custody.
In a related development, troops from Forward Operating Base Malumfashi responded to intelligence on terrorist activities at Ruwan Sanyi Village in Malumfashi LGA at about 11:10 p.m. on March 14.
On arrival, the troops engaged the terrorists, who fled with gunshot wounds as indicated by blood stains found on a recovered motorcycle. During subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Security sources said troops continue to dominate the general area to deny the terrorists freedom of action.
Troops engage terrorists, recover rifle, motorcycle in Katsina operations
Troops repel terrorits ambush in To be
By: Zagazola Manama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:23 p.m. on March 14 when troops of the 159 Battalion Nigerian Army, B Company, stationed in Kanama, were returning from a routine patrol.
According to the sources, the troops were ambushed by suspected terrorists along the Longlari–Kanama road near Mairari village.
The troops immediately reinforced their positions and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, successfully repelling the ambush.
Following the encounter, the soldiers conducted exploitation of the general area to track the fleeing insurgents who fled fo the forest.
Military authorities say clearance and patrol operations are continuing in the area to prevent further attacks and maintain security along the corridor.
Troops repel terrorits ambush in To be
Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have foiled an attempted kidnapping at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi, Bauchi State, in the early hours of Saturday, sources said.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 4:42 a.m. on March 15 when unidentified persons attempted to gain entry into the school premises through the fence near the staff quarters.
Security personnel on guard duty, supported by a patrol team, responded swiftly to the situation. On sighting the approaching officers, the suspected kidnappers abandoned their mission and fled the area.
The development caused brief panic within the school as students raised alarm and ran within the premises. However, no student was harmed or molested during the incident.
Police said the situation has been brought under control, while the school premises remain under close surveillance. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi
Troops engage terrorists, recover rifle, motorcycle in Katsina operations
Troops repel terrorits ambush in To be
Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
