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Telecom Infrastructure Critical to Successful 2023 Elections – Danbatta
Nasiru Yusuf
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, has said telecom infrastructure is very critical to successful 2023 elections, therefore, every Nigerian in every community should join hands in protecting it for the benefit of the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that Danbatta, who was special guest at the 6th Edition of the Annual Conference of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Lagos at the weekend, with focus on the forthcoming election and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu in attendance, said with the planned transmission of election data and results riding on telecom infrastructure, there was need to ensure the fidelity of the transmission systems to enhance the credibility of such data.
“If telecom infrastructure is vandalised or damaged, it would create problem in the area of the data transmission during election; citizens will find it difficult to use their phones to seamlessly communicate and the journalists too might find it difficult in being able to access their web platforms to disseminate necessary information which members of the public require to make informed decisions at every point in time,” he said.
Danbatta recalled that, over the years, the telecoms sector has continued to face destabilising situations arising from negative attitudes and actions of hostile communities; theft of diesel, batteries, and power generators from telecom base stations; digging up and cutting of fibre optic cables by construction workers; indiscriminate sealing/locking-up of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites by state governments, other governmental and community stakeholders; as well as other disruptive activities which must be decisively tackled.
While reiterating the importance of telecommunications in all aspects of human lives, including the forthcoming election and other national activities and programmes, Danbatta said that without telecom infrastructure, it will be difficult to communicate with family and friends over long distances or conducting banking, insurance, or accessing government and other social services, including education, entertainment, and other essentials services that enhance quality of life.
“This means that telecom infrastructure is important, and we must all ensure that we guard and protect those critical national infrastructural assets now, during the upcoming elections and thereafter. So, every citizen in Nigeria must take responsibility for the protection of telecom facilities for the benefits to all,” Danbatta said.
He enjoined GOCOP members to use their credible media platforms and enviable experiences to collaborate with the NCC in creating greater awareness and public enlightenment on the need to protect telecoms infrastructure.
At the event, which was chaired by the Founder, Centre for Alternative Policy Perspectives and Strategy (CAPPS), Dr. Umar Ardo; with other personalities including former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase; Regional Director Ford Foundation, Dr. Chidi Aniagolu-Okoye; and distinguished members of GOCOP, most of who are senior media professionals, Danbatta commended GOCOP members for their contributions in the promotion of awareness of derivable benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through their online platforms.
“The NCC would like to commend the leadership and entire members of GOCOP for the good work you are doing in your professional practice of disseminating timely and accurate information to Nigerians to enable citizens to take inform decisions,” he said.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
In a fervent Eid-el-Fitr sermon at Kofar Mata Eid Ground the Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, delivered a stern sermon prayer to individuals within Kano collaborating with external forces to destabilize the city’s peace and stability.
He decried such acts of betrayal and disloyalty, urging the populace to remain vigilant and united against these threats.
The Emir condemned those conspiring with outsiders to foment unrest in Kano, asserting that divine justice would prevail upon them. He said.
“There are people among us who have sold their conscience, joining hands with outsiders to threaten the peace of Kano. Let me remind them—Allah (SWT) will deal with them just as He dealt with those who betrayed Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in his time.”
These emphatic remarks come amid escalating political tensions, with reports of external interference in Kano’s traditional and governance structures.
The Emir urged citizens to dismiss provocations, remain steadfast in prayer, and stay alert to the machinations of traitors.
He emphasized that Kano’s strength lies in its unity and cautioned that anyone plotting against the state would face both divine and communal repercussions.
Concluding his sermon, the Emir invoked Allah’s protection over Kano and called on the people to remain resolute in faith and resistance.
He implored, “May Allah expose and disgrace those who conspire against our peace. May He strengthen the righteous and silence the voices of division.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has strongly condemned the killing of 16 Northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State, calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victims, mostly Hausa hunters, were reportedly traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah celebrations when they were attacked by a mob and falsely accused of kidnapping.
Senator Kwankwaso, in his Facebook post, he described the incident as barbaric and emphasized the right of all Nigerians to travel freely without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“I am concerned by the harrowing display of mob injustice on 16 travelers from Northern Nigeria in Edo State. This tragedy, which unfolded on March 27, 2025, in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, is another sad reminder of the barbarity of jungle justice.”
He urged authorities to launch a full-scale investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“While praying for the repose of the victims, I extend my condolences to their families, the Kano State Government, and other affected states,” he added.
The condemnations from Kwankwaso adds to the growing demands for justice and accountability following the gruesome killings.
The Edo State Government and security agencies are expected to conduct investigations and prosecute those responsible to restore public confidence in law enforcement.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command has banned all Sallah Durbar celebrations across the state ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr festivities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori announced the ban while addressing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters, citing security concerns and the need to prevent potential unrest.
According to CP Bakori, intelligence reports indicated plans by certain groups to disrupt the Durbar festivities and create instability. After consulting with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders, the police command deemed it necessary to prohibit the event.
“In pursuit of a safe and secure celebration, and to maintain peace and public order, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has assessed the rising tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Durbar activities,” Bakori said.
“Following credible intelligence reports about plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.”
The police commissioner urged worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers only at designated praying grounds and adhere to security guidelines, including: Avoid carrying unnecessary objects that may cause suspicion. No horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, or reckless driving. Parents and guardians should caution their children against involvement in any disruptive activities.
The public is advised to avoid actions that could lead to a breach of peace or breakdown of law and order.
CP Bakori assured residents that adequate security personnel would be deployed to ensure a peaceful Sallah celebration.
“As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us prioritize peace above all else, set aside our differences, and unite as law-abiding citizens for the progress of our state and nation,” Bakori urged.
He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the police via emergency contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926 or through the NPF Rescue Me application.
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