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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.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside his Edo State counterpart, Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Monday visited the Torankawa community in Kano to commiserate with the families of the 16 victims brutally killed in Uromi, Edo State.
The visit, which brought together key government officials and community leaders, was aimed at reassuring the affected families of the government’s commitment to securing justice and providing necessary support.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and reiterated his demand for the swift prosecution of those responsible.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
“This visit is not just about condolence; it is about reaffirming our commitment to justice. The families of these victims deserve more than words—they deserve action. We will not rest until every perpetrator is brought to book, publicly paraded, and held accountable,” Governor Yusuf stated.
He further urged the Edo State Government to expedite the promised compensation for the victims’ families, emphasizing that the loss of breadwinners had left many households in distress.
On his part, Governor Okpebholo extended his heartfelt condolences, assuring the families that his administration was working tirelessly with security agencies to ensure justice is served.
“I want to personally assure you that we are treating this case with the urgency it deserves. Edo is home to all Nigerians, and this kind of violence will not be tolerated. The security agencies have made significant progress, and I assure you that justice will be swift,” Governor Okpebholo said.
Community leaders in Torankawa expressed gratitude for the visit, acknowledging that it had helped ease tensions and restore confidence in the government’s commitment to their welfare.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed that his administration would continue to follow up on the case until justice is fully served.
In his response, His Highness Amb. Muhammad Isa Umar, the emir of Kano on behalf of the community, appreciated the two Governors for thier proactiveness in handling the unfortunate incidence.
Edo Killings: Gov Okpebholo visits Kano, pledges compensation for travelers
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Monday Okpebholo, accompanied by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, paid condolence visit to the families of the 16 northern travelers killed in Uromi, Edo State.
KANO FOCUS reports that youths and women on Monday took to the streets in Bunkure Local Government Area, welcoming the visiting governor accompanied by governor of Kano.
At Torankawa, Governor Okpebholo assured the families that compensation would be provided and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
On his part, Governor Yusuf pledged cash assistance and food supplies to the affected families, though he did not specify the exact amounts or quantities.
Both governors reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that such incidents do not occur again.
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.”
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Emir Sanusi II Calls for Justice Over Killing of Kano Indigenes in Edo
Kwankwaso condemns killing of Northern travelers in Edo
Emir Sanusi II Warns Against Internal Betrayal and External Meddling in Kano
