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CSO calls on pantami to respond to 2021 Allegations over NCC’s official corruption.

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Dr Isa Ali Pantami

 

A Civil Society Group, Concerned Citizens, has raises questions to the alleged refusal of Professor Ali Isa Pantami to acts in a case of alleged corrupt practices as Minister, thereby allegedly shielding the NCC indicted officials from prosecution.

NCC in 2021, had confirmed that its officials allegedly cornered public funds but refused to ensure they are disciplined as prescribed by anti-corruption laws.

The Civil Society Group through it’s Convener, Ibrahim Illyas Kaltungo, reminded that based on 2021 media reports one of the leading Newspapers online, Premium Times on 27 April 2021, it’s says, Two weeks after his office was contacted by a group to take action against two officials of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) enmeshed in a N122 million alleged fraud, Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, has failed to act.

They said, this is even as NCC admitted its officials allegedly stole public funds, it has equally refused to ensure they are properly sanctioned as prescribed by anti-corruption laws and the Minister than turned deaf ears from the matter.

The CSO reminded that, in an exclusive report in March, by Premium Times, it exposed how two senior staff, Yakubu Gontor, head of the finance department, and Philip Eretan, former head of the internal audit department of NCC, got the funds as allowances for trips they never embarked on.

“Mr Gontor allegedly got N54 million as accruable allowances for official trips he never made while Mr Eretan fraudulently raked in about N68 million.”

The Civil Society Group notes that the Officials, were indicted by an investigative committee which was set up by the commission’s governing board in 2020. Premium Times understands that the money stolen is being deducted in instalments from their emoluments. But the two men are yet to have their day in court.

“The committee had recommended that the two officials should be made to face a disciplinary panel with appropriate sanctions meted out to them.”

They added that Premium Times, findings revealed that the Umar Danbatta-led management of the NCC, which in 2020 won the Ethics Compliance and Integrity Scorecards (ECIS) award of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has not disciplined the indicted officials as recommended by the committee, or called for their prosecution.

The Civil Society Group also notes that, Premium Times understands that between January and February 2020, Messrs Guntor and Eretan frequented the Kaduna zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a petition by a yet-to-be-identified group.

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Although they notes that the new leadership of the EFCC in the zone, however, told our correspondent it could not trace the details of the matter. In February, the new head of the zone, Sanusi Abdullahi, said he was only transferred to the zone in July 2020, and that he could not trace the files of the matter.”

“The NCC in its response to PREMIUM TIMES’ exposè had admitted its officials allegedly stole public funds. The agency has apparently continued to shield them from prosecution.”

Mr Kaltungo reminded that at that time, an anti-corruption group, Lygel Youths and Leadership Initiatives (LYLI), wrote a letter to Mr Pantami seeking his intervention over the matter.

“In the letter dated April 14 and signed by its director of legal and compliance unit, Lekan Oladapo, the group noted that it had complained to the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in a letter dated 29th December, 2020, of which the minister was copied.

“In the said letter we had raised observations on the case of fraud in the Commission that involved the two heads of units of Finance and Audit.

“We have persistently advised the management of NCC to address that by implementing the recommendation of the Investigating Committee to impose necessary sanction and prosecute the culprits.

“Be that as it may, all the advice went to the deaf ears of the management to the extent that it was insensitive to the subsequent publications of the Premium Times published on March 29th 2021 and APRIL 1, 2021 respectively.

“We are surprised that the NCC can be as desperate as a reputable organisation allegedly condoning corruption of its officers without plausible justification.”

The group stated that it is “amazingly disturbing” for the NCC to continue to shield the officials from disciplinary action.

The CSO hints that at that time Pantami response was shaking that he said, ‘Leave me out of NCC matter’- Pantami
Despite acknowledging the receipt of the letter on April 15, Mr Pantami is yet to take any decisive action, sources told PREMIUM TIMES.

When Premium Times then contacted the minister’s spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman, on the subject matter, she pleaded that her principal should be left out of the matter at that time.

“This is a crisis within NCC. They are in a better position to answer your questions and offer any clarification you may need.”

After informing her that NCC had confirmed the fraud but was apparently shielding the officials, she responded saying “this is under his (NCC spokesperson) purview. I will tell him to offer more clarification.”

Ms Suleiman later asked Premium Times reporter to send her the copy of the letter sent to the minister and this was done immediately.

Having read the letter, she has since failed to acknowledge the copy sent to her on WhatsApp. She has also not responded to issues raised in the said letter. She has also not responded to reminder on the subject matter.

The CSO, further reminded that, Premium Times Reports that Mr Pantami current public silence may not be unrelated to recent controversies over his past.

“He has been in the news lately over sermons he delivered over a decade ago that supported extremist groups such as Taliban and Al-Qaeda.”

“While the minister said he has renounced these teachings, blaming his immaturity at the time the statements were made, many Nigerians have demanded his resignation from office.”

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Kano Governor Yusuf Visits Best Choice Specialist Hospital, Commends Staff, Managements

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The executive governor of Kano State Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has visited Best Choice Specialist Hospital in Kano to assess the quality of healthcare services being provided to residents and commend health workers for their commitment to saving lives.

The governor made the visit on Friday night as part of his routine inspections of healthcare facilities to assess service delivery and observe first-hand how patients are being attended to, particularly during night hours.

During the visit, Governor Yusuf inspected patients receiving treatment at the hospital and toured different sections of the facility accompanied by the doctor on duty and other members of staff.

The governor observed the activities of health workers and assessed the manner in which patients were being attended to at the time of his visit.

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He commended the staff of Best Choice Specialist Hospital for what he described as their dedication to providing healthcare services to the people of Kano State.

Governor Yusuf also acknowledged the contribution of private healthcare providers to the state’s healthcare system, stressing the importance of collaboration between government and private-sector operators in improving healthcare delivery.

The visit, according to the governor’s entourage, demonstrated that the administration’s concern for healthcare extends beyond government-owned facilities to private hospitals and other health institutions contributing to the wellbeing of residents.

Governor Yusuf thanked the management and staff of Best Choice Specialist Hospital for their efforts and commitment to saving lives.

As a gesture of encouragement, the governor presented the hospital staff with a special award in recognition of their service and dedication.

The governor’s visit also provided an opportunity to appreciate the role of private healthcare providers in complementing government efforts to expand access to medical services across Kano State.

Best Choice Specialist Hospital, located at Tal’udu Junction, opposite Sheikh Al Rayyan School in Kano, operates round the clock and provides healthcare services through qualified doctors and other medical personnel across its various departments.

The governor’s inspection forms part of his administration’s broader emphasis on monitoring healthcare delivery and ensuring that residents receive appropriate medical attention in both public and private health facilities across the 44 local government areas of Kano state.

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Tinubu Trusts Barau To Speak on Security, Development at a Summit

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By Abba Anwar

When President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, assigned the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, PhD, to represent him at an all-important International Conference on Security and Development in Abuja recently, it is a clear demonstration of trust and confidence from Mr President.

It was the International Conference on National Security and Sustainable Economic Development, organised by the Muslim World League in collaboration with Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS). Senator Jibrin’s choice to represent President Tinubu underscores the President’s belief in the Senator’s reliability, depth, and commitment to security, national unity and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

At a time when diverse religious groups, both intra and inter, started discussing national issues around the security of the land, Presidency concurs with the DSP model of securing our nation. Representing a President of a nation, in such events, speaks volumes about DSP’s relevance in the security of our motherland, Nigeria.

It is without any doubt to understand that, President Tinubu must have deeper knowledge about DSP’s commitment to the fight against insecurity disturbing the nation. Especially North West, where the Senator comes from. Security agencies are in the best position to catalog his unmatched contributions in the sector.

The fact that the Conference brought together participants from across the country and beyond, and was competently attended by prominent religious, traditional and political leaders from different faiths and ethnic backgrounds, it showcases what Senator Jibrin means to Nigerian nation state. In one and indivisible Nigerian project.

It also shows the level of confidence President Tinubu has in DSP’s capacity, composure, and loyalty. It, at the same time, positions him as a trusted voice of the Presidency on sensitive national matters. Recognition of patriotic competence of the Senator from the top most occupier of the ladder.

Speaking for the Commander-in-Chief is not a joke at all. We can all see how DSP conveyed Tinubu’s “unwavering commitment to achieving sustainable security”.
It takes a great mind of meaningful substance to be given a task to address religious, traditional and political leaders on a matter as sensitive as security on behalf of the C-in-C.

It clearly demonstrates that Mr President trusts him to handle delicate, multi-faith, multi-ethnic and multi-faceted audiences without fear of misrepresentation. A stamp of greatness and persistent commitment.

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Distinguished Senator Jibrin was able to link security to development and tied both to the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” An attestation that he understands and can articulate the President’s policy direction beyond just reading a speech. He’s aligned with the vision.

On diplomatic and statesmanship qualities, as the Conference was global in nature, with Muslim World League and Nigeria as the host country, sitting in for the President,
shows that Tinubu trusts him to project Nigeria positively on the global stage.

This is diplomacy. It is clear for all that, DSP has for long been a global citizen. Does my reader remember him as the First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament? Whose work and achievements are evident even beyond the showers of the country.

It was argued by many that, Jibrin’s role as a bridge-builder and unifier, was the best choice to represent the President in an event like this,
where the audience was of diverse faiths and ethnicities. The message he carried was loud and clear. That, “Government remains committed to preserving our unity despite our differences.”

It is clear for all that, DSP has a history of legislative bridge-building and constituency engagement in Kano and nationally. Some of the feats he achieved are linked to sustainable security for Africa and the world at large. A Pan-Africanist per excellence!

In the space of consistency in leadership from the part of the DSP, ranging from his primary constituency Kano North Senatorial District, to Deputy Senate President to representing Mr President internationally, this is a progression of trust. Which ultimately reinforces the belief that in matters of security and development, the Presidency sees Barau as dependable, reliable and steady.

To demonstrate how global he has been, in his Facebook page, while referring to the Conference, DSP puts, “I further urged them to take advantage of the internationality of the gathering to share diverse experiences that will further contribute to the ongoing debate on searching for viable options for restoring sustainable regional, continental, and global peace in this era of heightened global security turbulence.”

To further show how committed is the President in securing the nation, he said, “I reiterated the President’s unwavering commitment to achieving sustainable security in Nigeria. He remains focused on consolidating the gains being recorded in the security sector and across other critical areas of national development.”

As a leader who understands diplomacy he conveyed to the participants that, “On behalf of the President, I commend the Muslim World League for choosing JIBWIS as a collaborative partner for this important Conference and for selecting Nigeria as the host country for this significant gathering.”

It is therefore important to note that, with responsible political leaders like Distinguished Senator Jibrin, there is every hope for everlasting peace and security in the country. Representing the President in this global Peace Summit, in the face of the current security challenges across the globe sheds more light on the DSP’s capacity in handling delicate national matters.

Which ultimately means, his continued presence and visibility at the national level means a lot in strengthening efforts against insecurity and hopelessness. With DSP at the top, it is rest assured that, fight against insecurity plaguing the world, is being faced with stiffer opposition from the Nigerian government.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 14th August, 2026

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Osun State Governorship Election: Preliminary Report on Digital Access, Political Parties’ Websites Availability, Data and Privacy Breach Using PAWSOM-Monitor

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Background

Last week, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) launched an AI-based platform, PAWSON-Monitor, to pilot monitoring of digital rights, data and privacy breaches ahead of the Osun State gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. The platform was trained to track and document instances of digital rights violations and data and privacy breaches involving political actors and their digital presence – possible restrictions on contesting political parties’ websites, aspirants and their social media platforms, as well as potential misuse of citizens’ personal data for political campaigns. What CITAD aims to achieve with the monitoring platform is assessing whether equal opportunities and fair play are enjoyed by all the participating parties and aspirants as guaranteed by the democratic tenets before, during and after the Osun gubernatorial election. While this is serving as a pilot, CITAD plans to deploy the same platform to the 2027 general elections. This is the second report we are issuing based on the observations so far.

Updates for August 14, 2026

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In the last 24 hours, our observatory, the PAWSON-Monitor, has monitored fifteen (15) political parties participating in the Osun gubernatorial election holding tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, returning a total of 17,888 checks on the websites of the parties. Eleven parties have their sites operational from all the over seventeen thousand checks run between yesterday and today; therefore, we can conclude that within the period during which this update is given, we haven’t recorded any anomalies to warrant urgent action or signal a deliberate attempt to undermine the digital presence of the parties.

However, four political parties, namely, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Action Peoples Party (APP), all have their websites operating with anomalies. Those of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) continue to require particular attention, while the Young Progressives Party (YPP) recorded a relatively low 57.3% success rate during the monitoring period.

Based on the data scraped and analysed, action is required from the parties to rectify the anomalies to be able to operate optimally and take advantage of the digital presence, especially at a crucial moment like this. We have also noticed that two more political parties that were previously not among those flagged to be operating with anomalies, PDP and APP, have taken a space in the stagnant position, and this has raised the number of parties with red flags on their sites. We therefore urge all political parties and especially those whose websites are currently operating with anomalies to take immediate measures to look into the issues and rectify them.

CITAD will continue monitoring the digital environment and conducting human and cross-network verification of emerging anomalies to ensure that any genuine disruption of political parties’ digital platforms is identified, documented and appropriately reported.

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