Daily Independent (Lagos)
Emma Okonji
23 June 2009
Lagos — What looks like a silent agreement and reconciliation between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Ministry of Information and Communications, enveloped the air last week in Abuja, when the ministry and the commission declined comments on the recent cancellation of 2.3GHz spectrum.
It was like a drama at the just concluded West and Central Africa forum in Abuja when both parties, who had been at loggerheads over auction of 2.3 GHz spectrum, decided to keep sealed lips over the matter when it was raised during the question and answer session of the conference.
First, it was the Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who was represented by her Technical Adviser, Mr. Onuoha Nnachi, was asked to comment on the recent cancellation of the nation's 2.3GHz spectrum. In response a that shocked the large audience at the conference, Nnachi said he was not authorised to speak on such matter. He, however, answered other questions that were not linked to 2.3GHz auction and cancellation.
Few hours after the close of the session, there was another session, where Ndukwe was billed to deliver a paper. This time around, Ndukwe was not represented but appeared in person to grace the occasion that was characterised by international standards.
After his presentation, it was time for questions, but before the commencement of questions, Ndukwe told the large audience that he will not respond to questions on politics and the cancellation of 2.3GHz spectrum. Shocked by his subtle way of avoiding what people regarded as national issue that needs clarification, the audience had no choice than to ask other questions.
One thing that was clear at that conference was that those who came to get better explanations from the horse's mouth went home more confused than they came.
Last month, there were newspaper reports that Akunyili cancelled the 2.3GHz spectrum that was auctioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission, the industry regulator that is responsible for spectrum licensing.
According to some of the reports, the Minister was not happy with the Commission which went ahead with the auction process after the Minister had asked the NCC to halt the process.
Although the Minister did not make any official statement concerning the cancellation, papers reported that the Minister called for the cancellation and that President Umaru Yar Adua has been briefed on the matter.
Since the purported cancellation, there have been reactions from the public and the affected operators who won the license, explaining that there was no justification for the cancellation.
Last week, the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators In Nigeria (ALTON) broke its silence over the issue, weeks after several bodies and individuals have commented on the cancellation.
Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, who broke the silence in Lagos, urged the Federal Government to immediately step into the matter and arrest the on-going rife through methods and procedures that demonstrate commitment to due process.
According to Adebayo ALTON is compelled as an association to proffer an industry position on the matter on behalf of its members, not to join issues with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Ministry of Information and Communications, but to highlight its grave concerns and accentuate the need for appropriate and prompt intervention by the Federal Government.
The intervention, he said is of the essence to preserve the sanctity of the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry and maintain the continuous growth and development of our yet nascent telecommunications industry.
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