Nigerian Communications Commission says it has temporarily suspended its directive to Mobile Network Operators on Do-not Disturb to allow them to disseminate specific information on voter education.
The NCC Director of Public Affairs, Nnamdi Nwokike, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
He stated that NCC’s management, upon due consideration of the upcoming general elections, suspended the DND order to enable MNOs to disseminate specific information on voter education on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said: “The NCC, upon due consideration of the upcoming general elections, has decided to temporarily suspend its directive to Mobile Network Operators on Do-Not-Disturb.
“In implementing the suspension, MNOs are to be mindful of existing directives regarding the timing and regularity of such messages.
“The temporary suspension is only with regards to specific messages on voter education.”
Nwokike added that NCC had also issued instructions to all MNOs and Value Added Service Providers to the effect that they should ensure that their facilities were not used to disseminate political or religious contents.
He stated that MNOs and Value Added Service Providers should not disseminate materials with abusive contents, insulting, intimidating or harassing, and/or which incite violence, hatred or discrimination against any person or group of persons.
He added: “MNOs shall provide service to participants in the political process only to the extent that their licence and the regulatory process permit.
“MNOs shall maintain the principle of neutrality in all their dealings regarding all the political process.
“MNOs shall at all times seek and obtain the approval of the commission.”
The NCC also expressed its readiness to strictly monitor the activities of the MNOs for the duration of the temporary suspension.
NCC temporarily suspends ‘Do Not Disturb’ directive to enable voter education, information
