A human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has accused telecommunication operators of attempting to sabotage the planned #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest in August by disconnecting subscribers.
Adegboruwa alleged in a statement on Sunday that telecom companies have been disconnecting subscribers for flimsy reasons, including a lack of NIN registration or linking, to restrict internet access and frustrate the protests.
“For the past few days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for flimsy and untenable reasons. Some allege a lack of NIN registration or linking, while some didn’t give any reason at all,” Adegboruwa said.
“This action is coming on the heels of the proposed struggle of the people against hunger, poverty, suffering, and the suffocating economic policies of the Tinubu administration.
From all indications, it would seem that the underlying target of the telecom companies is to limit the reach of their customers in order to restrict access and thus frustrate the protests.”
The senior lawyer noted that the contract between telecom companies and their subscribers remains sacrosanct and should not be tampered with arbitrarily.
“Sufficient information and opportunity should be given for subscribers to remedy any alleged breach or error. So many telephone users deploy their numbers for their businesses and other lawful engagements, not to mention those who may have medical and health-related emergencies.”
Adegboruwa, however, urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the matter and protect subscribers’ rights.
The planned protest #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, which will take place in all states and the Federal Capital Territory, is gaining traction on social media, with organisers calling for an end to economic hardship and suffering.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has urged dissatisfied youths to call off the protest, while the military and police have warned against violent demonstrations.
