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
Zulum Approves Employment for 15 People with Disability
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum has approved the employment of 15 people with disability with bachelor’s degree certificates, NCEs, diplomas and vocational training certificates.
The governor gave the approval in Maiduguri on Friday night at the Government House.
He said: “I am delighted to note that despite your disability, you people are not lazy; you decided to pursue your education, and for this, I want to commend you.
“I directed the Commissioner of Education to process your application for employment for my approval immediately. Therefore, I want to bring to your kind notice that you should be on the payroll of Borno State Government effective 1st May, 2024, in sha Allah.”
He directed the commissioner of education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, to review the activities of all the blind schools in Borno State in order to train more people with disability.
Zulum also ordered the Ministry of Education to work out modalities for introducing the teaching of special education courses at the College of Education in Bama.
“I am happy that they have obtained their qualifications in different specialisations. Let’s strengthen the College of Education in Bama to start delivering courses on special education,” Zulum ordered.
Earlier in his address, Borno State Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Mohammed Mustapha, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for approving employment for his members.
Zulum Approves Employment for 15 People with Disability
Friday prayers strengthen our bond as Muslims, Lawan
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, said that one of the most significant benefits of Friday’s Juma’at prayers is the opportunity it provides us as Muslims to come together to strengthen our bond as faithfuls.
Senator Ahmad Lawan disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Damaturu after Friday’s Juma’at prayers at the Aliyu Ibn Ali Talib Masjid Mosque in Maitama, Abuja.
He said it serves as a reminder for us to reflect on our faith and strive for spiritual growth and purification. It is also a time for us as believers to seek forgiveness for our sins, offer repentance, and renew our commitment to following the teachings of Islam.
“In addition to the spiritual benefits, Friday’s Juma’at prayers also hold a special place in supplications for the prosperity and well-being of our dear country, Nigeria. We must always pray for the peace, prosperity, and development of Nigeria.
“I seized the opportunity today to seek Allah’s (SWT) blessing and guidance for the leaders of our nation for economic growth, social harmony, and overall success.” Senator Lawan said.
May Almighty Allah (SWT) help us to work together as one nation as we strive towards realizing a better and brighter future for our beloved country. Ameen.
Friday prayers strengthen our bond as Muslims, Lawan
News
Six Commanders of ISWAP/Boko Haram and scores of fighters killed, 24 fighters captured alive in renewed clashes
Six Commanders of ISWAP/Boko Haram and scores of fighters killed, 24 fighters captured alive in renewed clashes
By: Zagazola Makama
Atleast Six Commanders of the Islamic State of the West African Province and the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, Boko Haram faction were and scores of fighters were perished in a gunfight between the groups at Tumbum Fulani in the North East of Kangarwa.
It was gathered that in the wee hours of April 26, 2024, angry Boko Haram elements went to where ISWAP fighters were camping in Tumbun Fulani and attacked them in response to the series of attacks launched by ISWAP on its positions.
Imparcable sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that thr fight at Tumbun Fulani was bloody as the Boko Haram group succeeded in killing Abu Imrana, the ISWAP Commander (Khaid) of the Lake Chad, Abu Nura, Commander In Charge of the Waterways (Naval) as well as scores of their fighters.
But a the Boko Haram faction who carried the attack were tried to withdraw, they met strong resistance from the ISWAP counterparts who deployed more of their fighters to engage the rival group.
In the aftermath of the heavy gunbattle, the ISWAP overpowered the Boko Haram faction and killed four Commanders, several fighters while 24 fighters were captured alive and taken to Prison. The ISWAP group also seized several weapons from the Boko Haram group.
The JAS group – led by Ibrahim Bakura Doro aka Bakaura Buduma – has remained a formidable enemy of ISWAP ever since Shekau’s death It has repeatedly attacked ISWAP positions around the lake.
The deadly rivalry between the two erstwhile allies will continue unabated as the Boko Haram fighters are not prepared to surrender their supremacy or be displaced by the ‘usurpers. ISWAP on the other hand, vowed to eliminate all the Boko Haram terrorists on the surface of the earth.
Six Commanders of ISWAP/Boko Haram and scores of fighters killed, 24 fighters captured alive in renewed clashes
Zulum Approves Employment for 15 People with Disability
Four Chinese Arrested for Illegal Miningin Nasarawa
Army, DSS eliminates 7 terrorists in the North West, recover 10 rifles, motorcycles
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