The Coalition of Independent Online Media Platforms has strongly condemned recent negative media coverage aimed at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and its leadership, labeling the reports as both misleading and politically charged.
In a joint statement signed by Olubade Jimoh, chairman, and Ibrahim Umar, secretary of the coalition, they criticized the attempt to tarnish the reputation of Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC. They described the allegations as lacking factual basis and as part of a deliberate effort to erode public trust in the institution and damage Dr. Maida’s standing.
“We, the members of the Coalition of Independent Online Media Platforms, categorically reject the politically motivated and misleading article published by Sahara Reporters on September 29, 2025, titled: ‘EXCLUSIVE: How Relatives of Senate President Akpabio, Speaker Abbas, Other Political Elites Secured NCC Jobs Without Due Process,'” the statement read.
They emphasized that the report’s attempt to discredit Dr. Maida and the NCC is shallow and appears orchestrated to sow distrust in president-gives-reasons/” title=”2027: Femi Falana…s son Falz reacts as AI tips him as potential Nigerian …, gives reasons”>public institutions and create friction between Dr. Maida and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Despite the sensational nature of the headline, the article fails to present any concrete evidence or official documents. It merely speculates by naming individuals without substantiating claims with internal communications or proof of procedural breaches. This approach falls short of journalistic standards and amounts to mere conjecture,” the coalition noted.
The statement further highlighted that the story recycles an old narrative that was addressed by the NCC months ago, yet the publication neglects to mention the commission’s prior response, making the report appear as a fabricated tale.
“It is particularly absurd to insinuate that Dr. Maida is pursuing political ambitions by opposing the very President who appointed him. What political advantage would a technocrat gain by aligning with an opposition lacking central power? Such claims defy both political reasoning and common sense. Suggesting that Dr. Maida is acting against the President is not only unfounded but also an insult to the discerning Nigerian public,” they added.
The coalition pointed out the timing of the publication, coinciding with significant reforms underway at the NCC under Dr. Maida’s leadership, reforms that are evidently unsettling to vested interests.
“We recognize these reforms as a threat to entrenched powers, prompting attempts to sabotage progress through unverified media attacks. This is a transparent effort to hinder the positive changes being implemented,” the statement asserted.
Since taking office, Dr. Maida has championed transparency within the NCC, ensuring that staff training opportunities are allocated based on merit rather than favoritism, promoting competence across all levels.
“We urge anyone with genuine concerns to submit credible evidence to relevant anti-corruption bodies or the National Assembly. Until such proof is provided, these coordinated media assaults remain baseless. We stand firmly behind Dr. Maida and all public officials committed to due process, transparency, and effective service delivery,” the coalition affirmed.
As advocates for responsible journalism and press freedom, the coalition called on Sahara Reporters and similar outlets to verify facts thoroughly before publishing, cautioning against the misuse of media platforms for political vendettas.
“Dr. Aminu Maida continues to serve diligently, executing the Federal Government’s telecommunications agenda under President Tinubu. Attempts to undermine his work through unsubstantiated reports will not succeed. We reject this smear campaign outright and commend the Presidency for prioritizing performance over propaganda,” the statement concluded.
