Ahead of the scheduled #EndBadGovernance countrywide protest in August, human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has requested that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) investigate telecommunication companies’ suspected disconnection of subscribers.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria advised that telcos should not try to undermine the upcoming protest against economic hardship in Nigeria by restricting internet access among disgruntled individuals.
“For the past few days, some telecom firms have started disconnecting their customers for flimsy and implausible grounds. Some claim a lack of NIN registration or connecting, while others offer no explanation at all,” Adegboruwa stated.
“This action follows the people’s intended struggle against hunger, poverty, and pain, as well as the Tinubu administration’s oppressive economic policies.
“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 top lawyer stated that the relationship between telecom firms and their subscribers is sacred and should not be violated arbitrarily.
“Subscribers should be given sufficient information and an opportunity to correct any claimed breach or inaccuracy.
“So many phone users utilise their lines for business and other authorised purposes, not to speak with people who are experiencing medical or health-related situations.
“The NCC is urged to look into this and come to the rescue of the subscribers.”
The senior lawyer had written to security services, proposing that demonstrators be protected under the Take It Back Movement banner beginning next month.
The protest against economic hardship, which has gained pace on social media, is set to take place in all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. The protest organisers have not been identified.
Prices for food and essential goods have skyrocketed in recent months, as Nigerians grapple with one of the country’s highest inflation rates and economic crises, triggered by the government’s dual policies of removing petrol subsidies and unifying forex windows.