Telcos are reportedly limiting internet access to thwart a planned protest, claims Adegboruwa, highlighting issues of digital rights.
Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has requested that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) investigate claims of telecommunication operators disconnecting subscribers ahead of the scheduled #EndBadGovernance protest planned for August.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria issued a cautionary statement on Sunday, advising telcos not to impede the upcoming protest against economic difficulties in Nigeria by limiting online connectivity for disgruntled citizens.
Adegboruwa claimed that in recent times, certain telecom companies have been terminating their customers’ services on the basis of unsubstantial and unjustifiable grounds. Few assert non-registration or connection with NIN while some remain silent about the rationale behind it.
The proposed action is a response to the people’s struggle against hunger, poverty, suffering and the restrictive economic policies introduced by the Tinubu administration.
Based on the available evidence, it appears that telecom companies are aiming to curtail their customers’ access in order to impede protests and create frustration.
The experienced attorney emphasized that the agreement established between telecommunications corporations and their customers is sacred and should not be compromised arbitrarily.
Subscribers should be provided with adequate information and opportunity to rectify any alleged breach or error.
Numerous individuals utilize their telephone numbers for business purposes and other legal affairs, rather than using them to communicate with those who may be experiencing medical or health-related emergencies.
Subscribers are calling on the NCC to investigate and provide assistance.
Next month, the senior lawyer wrote to security agencies asking for protection of protesters belonging to the Take It Back Movement.
In August, a protest against the economic difficulties that has made waves on social media is set to take place in all states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The organizers have chosen to remain anonymous.
Over the past few months, Nigerians have faced an economic crisis caused by a combination of petrol subsidy removal and forex window unification policies implemented by the government. Consequently, prices for basic commodities including food have significantly increased. This situation is worsened as Nigeria struggles with one of its worst inflation rates in recent times.
Next month, President Bola Tinubu – former Lagos governor and current head of state since his inauguration in May 2023 – has urged disgruntled youth to cancel their upcoming “EndBadGovernance” demonstration.
As a way of soothing discontented citizens, the President presented a proposal to increase the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 to the National Assembly this week. The bill was swiftly approved by both houses on Tuesday and now awaits authorization by the President.
Military officials cautioned on Thursday that nefarious individuals intend to take over the protest and employ it as a platform for chaos, resembling what has recently occurred in Kenya.
Uzodimma had expressed concern that the upcoming protests could escalate into violent demonstrations, similar to the nationwide EndSARS protest against police brutality in October 2020. The police also issued a warning about potential bloodshed during these events.
