By Chuks Madueke
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, saddled with the task to regulate the communication sector in Nigeria, recently tasted the ugly side of media antagonism that perhaps has become a pastime by mischief makers in the country.

According to reports, NCC allegedly proposed the sum of N75 million among other things to replace toilet doors and locks, before the Hon. Oyetunde Ojo-led House of Representatives’ Committee on Communication.

One would have exclaimed over such amount purportedly earmarked for what would have been deemed a simple project, especially in view of the prevailing harsh economic situation and the numerous attempts to tackle corruption in the country. But information available from the Oyetunde Ojo-led committee and NCC rather proved otherwise.

While not holding fort for NCC, yet in a plural ethno-religious and political society like ours, newsmen have more than ordinary roles to play; they should appreciate the nobility of their profession by upholding truth always without fear or favour.

Yet with the defense by NCC that the said budget in question was for major works, which were fully evaluated by the commission before the budget submission, it appears that mischief makers were on the prowl, gnawing at the regulator’s heels.

The said sum, NCC further explained is not only for toilet doors and locks, but for a major face-lift of the reception areas, waiting room, two-wing canteen facilities with several equipments, and provision of directional signs at the corporate headquarters.  The project also entails repainting of the external walls, general repairs and repainting of the steel roof structures.

The commission also proved that there was no query in its N30 million budget for the procurement of furniture at its headquarters and four zonal offices.  The same conviviality was also accorded its N10 million provision for air conditioners at the headquarters for the phased replacement of some old air conditioners by the committee.

Also referring to the misconstrued reports on the provision of N89 million for project vehicles and N72 million for quality of service vehicles, the commission explained that the information provided in the budget was also explicit in terms of the operational vehicles for compliance monitoring and surveillance exercises covering all the cities in the respective geo-political zones in the country.

One appreciates that the pervasive mood in the country today is that of rage against corrupt practices, and with the worsening socio-economic and political situation, it is indeed commonplace to seek scapegoats in our sometimes over-dramatized fights against corruption.

However, discerning minds rather would appreciate the intended mischief against NCC; such minds also will appreciate the desperation of those apparently behind the allegations to smear the efforts by the current NCC leadership to reposition the sector.

As much as the reports may have tried to attract public odium to NCC or its leadership, the reports too may have equally failed to impress wary but weary Nigerians who are intellectually fed-up with such destructive antics and sponsored media blitz of calumny against personalities or institutions in the country.

Nigerians, no doubt are keen to end corrupt practices in the country. Yet with some government agencies presenting their contract bidding adverts in the media weekly, nothing so far suggests that NCC’s biddings have not been following due processes.

Mr. Madueke wrote in from Lagos.