•MTN treading on tiger’s back
Due to MTN’s negligence in disconnecting unregistered SIM cards, lots of lives have been lost. Following the ensued battle between NCC and MTN, a Telecommunication Committee was mandated by the House of Reps to look into the N1.04 trillion settlement negotiations between them and the FG.
The committee however summoned the CEO, Mr. Ferdinand Moolman, and rather than honouring the invitation, MTN sent a letter referring them to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the information it was seeking.
The lawmakers ordered Austin Iyasere, who represented Moolman, out of the sitting, quoting section 87 and 88 of the standing orders of the house to prove that parliament could summon anyone to demand for information.
According to Johnson Agbonayinma, “Nigeria’s interest in attracting investors should not encourage disregard for the law” and this is what MTN is aiming at, “disregarding rule”, trying to buy their ways through.
The lawmakers are also of the opinion that Ferdinand’s absence at the sitting was deliberate, however, a new summon has been made for later days.
A stern warning has also been issued to the Telecom Company about their insolent and contemptuous attitude towards the case and foresees their imminent downfall if the ways of caution is not immediately treaded.
