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The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has alleged of plots by some “unscrupulous elements to blackmail and sabotage the efforts being made by the ministry to deliver its mandate to Nigerians.”
A statement by the Spokesperson to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, on Monday in Abuja, said the ministry has uncovered the” suspicious activities of some disgruntled persons” attempting to malign the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, through a smear campaign.
They plan to compromise the media by inducing media practitioners with money to carry out their campaign of disinformation against the ministry and the minister, said Suleiman.
See full statement below:
PUBLIC AWARENESS ON ANTI-PROGRSSIVE ACTIVITIES BY CORRUPT INDIVIDUALS
This is to notify the general public, that the Office of the Honourable 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.
It is no news that the proactive policy direction, anti corruption and economically empowering principles, characteristic of the current leadership of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has impacted hugely on the lives of ordinary Nigerians who have hitherto been helpless in the face of blatant exploitation. Since assumption of office, the Honourable Minister has consistently rolled out policies that strive to protect the consumer and entrench discipline and professionalism in the sector, this stand has obviously ruffled some feathers whose sole aim is to discredit Dr Pantami’s mass-friendly policies.
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 Office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy shall pursue and uphold its mandate, in line with the Three Point Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. No acts of corruption or injustice shall be condoned. We will neither be intimidated by fifth columnists or any agents of dubious intentions, nor be blackmailed into submission.
The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy 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. The hitherto existing relationship between Regulators and Operators which more often than not, compromises the former, is one that cannot thrive under the current leadership. The Honourable Minister is determined to ensure that the unhealthy dependence of Regulators on Operators is addressed, so that Regulators can be very objective.
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.
Signed
Uwa Suleiman
Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Communications & Digital Economy
