The Coalition of Independent Online Media Platforms has faulted a recent report published by Sahara Reporters, alleging that relatives of top political figures secured jobs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) without due process.
The coalition, in a statement signed by its chairman, Olubade Jimoh, and secretary, Ibrahim Umar, described the September 29, 2025, publication titled “EXCLUSIVE: How Relatives of Senate President Akpabio, Speaker Abbas, Other Political Elites Secured NCC Jobs Without Due Process” as misleading, politically motivated, and lacking in credibility.
According to the coalition, the story is a recycled narrative that had been previously addressed by the NCC months earlier, adding that Sahara Reporters failed to include the commission’s response.
“This report, which attempts to malign the person and office of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, is not only factually shallow but reeks of a coordinated attempt to undermine his credibility, incite distrust in public institutions, and ultimately set him at odds with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” the statement read.
The group further faulted the report for failing to provide verifiable documents or proof to back its claims, insisting that it amounted to speculation rather than journalism.
“It is especially ridiculous and indeed laughable that the report suggests Dr. Maida is seeking political relevance by allegedly working against the same President who appointed him. What relevance would a technocrat gain by joining forces with an opposition that holds no power at the center? The claim lacks both political logic and common sense,” the coalition stated.
The group linked the publication to attempts by entrenched interests to frustrate ongoing reforms at the NCC under Dr. Maida, who, since assuming office, has introduced transparency-driven measures, including merit-based staff training allocations.
The coalition urged any aggrieved party with credible evidence of wrongdoing to petition relevant anti-corruption agencies or the National Assembly, instead of sponsoring what it called “blackmail through unverified media reports.”
“As online publishers, we believe in press freedom and responsibility. We urge Sahara Reporters and others to verify claims before publication, rather than weaponizing journalism for political vendettas,” the group added.
Reaffirming its support for the NCC boss, the coalition said Dr. Aminu Maida remains a dedicated public servant committed to implementing the Federal Government’s telecommunications mandate under President Tinubu.
“Attempts to discredit him through unsubstantiated publications will not stand. We reject this smear campaign in its entirety and commend the Presidency for remaining focused on performance, not propaganda,” the statement concluded.
