In a swift reaction to the alleged shutdown of Internet access aimed at facilitating rigging during the elections as claimed by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has denied the assertion.
In a statement signed on Friday, 1st January, 2019 by the Spokesman, of the NSA, Danjuma Reuben, he disclosed that the office works with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government in making continuous efforts to protect them and improve service delivery to Nigerians, noting that every single national security platform in the country rides on the same Internet to function.
Reuben noted that every communications infrastructure are major components of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which he said the office is mandated to ensure its security are well protected. He opined that “shutting down” the Internet is akin to shutting down national development and security.”
The statement reads: “The attention of the Office of the National Security Adviser has been drawn to the allegation making rounds in the media that the ‘Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work with internet service providers to shut down internet access during the forthcoming elections to facilitate rigging of the 2019 elections.’ The Office wishes to advise the general public to disregard the allegation, which is disinformation.
The spokesman affirms that the office of the NSA remains committed to protecting the rights of the public to access Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, adding, “the Office also remains non-partisan and committed to ensuring that Nigerians freely exercise their civic rights.”
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