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Court Okays FCCPC’s Power In Telecom Regulation
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has been affirmed by the court as having regulatory power over the telecom sector.
The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice F.N. Ogazi, solidifies the FCCPC’s role as the primary authority in preventing anti-competitive practices and protecting consumers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
“So, all these things you read on social media are for your entertainment,” said FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, at the weekend. “Even on mergers and acquisitions now, if there is going to be one, the FCCPC has to approve it.”
The judgment was in response to a case brought by Emeka Nnubia, a lawyer and MTN shareholder, seeking to halt the FCCPC’s investigation into MTN Nigeria. Nnubia argued that the inquiry could breach data protection laws and claimed that regulatory authority over MTN rested solely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
However, the court ruled that Section 90 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, which grants the NCC jurisdiction over competition matters in the telecom industry, must be read alongside Section 104 of the FCCPA 2018. The latter establishes the FCCPC as the primary authority on competition and consumer protection across all sectors. The FCCPA, being the more recent legislation, supersedes conflicting provisions of the NCA 2003 where they exclude FCCPC’s oversight in telecommunications.
The court clarified that while the NCC retains regulatory authority in telecom operations, competition and consumer protection matters fall under the FCCPC’s jurisdiction. Section 105 of the FCCPA 2018 provides for collaboration between FCCPC and sector regulators, including the NCC, aligning with global best practices of joint regulatory efforts.
The court further held that entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with sector regulators is not a prerequisite for FCCPC’s enforcement of its statutory functions. Sector regulators must work with FCCPC to establish operational frameworks. The FCCPC’s actions, including issuing a summons to MTN Nigeria as part of its anti-competitive practices investigation, were deemed lawful.
Additionally, the court found that the FCCPC’s request for information from MTN did not violate data protection laws, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the NCA 2003. It noted that no personal data was requested and emphasized MTN’s obligation to disclose information in the public interest.
The ruling also rejected any attempt to restrain the FCCPC from exercising its statutory functions, stating that such efforts violate the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers. On the issue of costs, the court declined to award them, citing the public interest significance of the case.
The plaintiff, Nnubia, represented himself, while FCCPC was represented by Mr. Abimbola Ojenike and Ms. Oluwadamilola Omotosho. MTN Nigeria was represented by Mr. Chinonso Ekuma, but there was no representation for the first defendant, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.
In addition to the ruling, FCCPC CEO Bello commented on other regulatory achievements, such as collaborating with the NCC to limit telecom price hikes and stopping power companies from charging customers for new meters. He urged Nigerians to report unresolved consumer issues, assuring that the FCCPC would step in where necessary.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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