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NCC Denies Leaking Audio Of Obi-Oyedepo Conversation, Cites Confidentiality

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied being responsible for the leak of an audio recording featuring a telephone conversation between Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel.

 

Following widespread claims on social media implicating the NCC in the leak, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, issued a statement on Tuesday.

 

In the statement, Muoka emphasized that the NCC is mandated by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 to maintain confidentiality and cannot track or leak telephone conversations.

 

The NCC further noted that it has received numerous inquiries from the media and felt the need to clarify its position on the matter.

 

The statement read, “The Nigerian Communications Commission has been inundated with enquiries by the media on allegations of telephone ‘tracking’ and ‘leakage’ made against the Commission by some individuals and groups in the social and alternative media.

 

“The Commission wishes to make the following clarifications: The Commission denies the allegations in their entirety; By the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and other extant Laws of the Federation, the Commission does not and cannot ‘track’ nor ‘leak’ telephone conversations of anyone.”

 

“The Commission has reported the allegations, which we take seriously, to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action.

 

“The Commission restates its commitment to discharge its responsibilities to the Nigerian people in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the NCA 2003; other extant Laws of the Federation; and global best practices.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission denies these allegations and advises the public to disregard them.” The statement added.

Recall that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, was reportedly heard on a viral audio clip, which surfaced on Saturday, asking Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, to assist in spreading his message to Christians in the South-West and parts of North-Central.

He said, “Daddy, I need you to speak to your people in the South-West and Kwara, the Christians in the South-West and Kwara, this is a religious war.”

 

In response, Oyedepo said, “I believe that, I believe that, I believe that. If this works, you people will never regret the support.”

 

Valentine Obienyem, a media aide to Peter Obi, responded to the leaked audio clip by stating that the conversation between Obi and Bishop Oyedepo was edited out of context.

 

Meanwhile, Bishop David Oyedepo spoke out on the matter on Sunday, refuting claims that he had campaigned for any political candidate or spoken on their behalf during the general elections.

 

During a sermon at the Faith Tabernacle, the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo asserted that he has never publicly endorsed any political party or candidate, and will not do so until he goes to heaven.

 

He  also noted that various political parties have approached him for prayers and advice.

He said, “I have never campaigned for anybody or spoken on anybody’s behalf and I will not do that till I go to heaven.

“There is no (political) party in this country that didn’t come to me for prayers and advice.”

 

 

 

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International News

JUST IN: Equatorial Guinea Blocks WhatsApp Multimedia Amid Engonga Sex Scandal

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The government of Equatorial Guinea has imposed new restrictions on WhatsApp, limiting citizens’ ability to download and share multimedia files through mobile data.

This policy follows recent directives for telecommunications operators to control access to “inappropriate content.”

READ ALSO: Court Acquits Former CJN, Walter Onnoghen In Corruption Case

The measure, however, has led to public frustration, with citizens now relying solely on WiFi for sharing photos, videos, and audio files.

The restrictions come in the wake of a high-profile scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF).

Engonga, 54, is currently under investigation for fraud. During an unexpected search of his home and office, ANIF officials reportedly discovered a collection of more than 400 explicit videos involving Engonga and the wives of various prominent figures.

Among those reportedly involved are relatives of senior officials, including the wife of the Director General of Police, multiple government ministers’ spouses, and even family members of the President of Equatorial Guinea.

The leaked videos have caused a media uproar, with calls for transparency from the government.

Citizens are questioning whether the restrictions on WhatsApp multimedia sharing are part of an effort to prevent the spread of sensitive content related to the scandal.

So far, officials have not commented on the duration of these restrictions or whether they are linked to the ongoing investigation.

The local news platform Ahora EG has reported widespread frustration over the restrictions, quoting anonymous sources expressing concern about the impact on essential communication.

“Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few?” one source asked. “This measure interferes with work and educational activities for thousands who rely on WhatsApp, and it feels more like a move to control than to facilitate communication.”

Critics have also questioned the transparency of the new restriction, with some speculating it may be linked to Vice President Teddy Nguema’s recent announcement of a plan to install surveillance cameras in state offices.

This initiative, he said, is part of a broader government crackdown to reinforce public service laws and combat misconduct among officials.

As frustrations mount, Equatorial Guinea’s citizens are left awaiting clarity on the government’s intentions behind these measures.

With no official statements on how long the restrictions will remain in place, many continue to speculate whether these changes will be temporary or signal a new era of state control over digital communication.

 

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U.S. Election: Historic Decision Looms As Kamala Harris, Trump Enter Dead-Heat Contest

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On a high-stakes Tuesday, American voters are heading to the polls in an election that will either catapult Kamala Harris into history as the first woman president or grant Donald Trump a historic return to the White House.

After months of intense campaigning and unexpected developments, Democratic Vice President Harris, 60, and former Republican President Trump, 78, remain locked in one of the closest and most turbulent races of modern times.

READ MORE: Nigerian Contender, Chidimma Adetshina Makes Top 2 On Miss Universe Hot Picks List

As polling stations open nationwide, both candidates are counting on a strong turnout in key swing states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

With early voting already at record numbers, tens of millions more are expected to cast their ballots throughout the day, adding to the over 82 million who voted early.

Campaign Finale: Fierce Push for Every Vote

Both campaigns spent Monday frantically rallying supporters. In Pennsylvania, Harris stood on the iconic “Rocky” steps in Philadelphia, energized by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey.

“Momentum is on our side,” she said, calling the race potentially “one of the closest in history” and urging supporters to get to the polls.

Meanwhile, Trump held his closing rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after stops in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Emphasizing his populist message, he depicted a nation under siege from crime and economic turmoil, promising that his leadership could restore America’s greatness.

“With your vote tomorrow, we can fix every single problem our country faces and lead America — indeed, the world — to new heights of glory,” he declared.

An Election of Unprecedented Drama

This election has been marked by surprising developments that left voters and analysts reeling.

Harris took over the Democratic nomination in July following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal, a dramatic shift that reshaped the race.

Trump’s campaign faced its own challenges, including surviving two assassination attempts and pushing forward even after a criminal conviction.

Despite these extraordinary events, polls show the race remains deadlocked.

Observers are bracing for potential delays in determining a winner, with the tight race suggesting that final results could take days.

In Washington, security is heightened with barriers around the White House and storefronts boarded up, fearing possible unrest.

Trump’s ongoing claims about election integrity — similar to those he made in 2020 — have already raised concerns about the potential for dispute if he loses.

Global Impact: Allies, Rivals Watch Anxiously

The international community is closely watching the U.S. election, as the outcome could reshape key policies.

A Harris administration would likely pursue climate action, support for NATO, and continued aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Trump’s “America First” approach, however, signals a return to isolationist policies that unsettle allies while promising sweeping trade tariffs that concern trading partners.

The election’s significance extends beyond politics, as Harris would make history as the first Black woman and South Asian president in the United States, breaking another barrier after her 2020 election as vice president.

Trump, if successful, would make his own history, becoming only the second president after Grover Cleveland to win non-consecutive terms and the oldest president to assume office.

Divided Nation Faces Uncertain Path Forward

Harris’s campaign has focused on reproductive rights and healthcare, aiming to galvanize women and young voters.

Though she has condemned Trump’s “dark rhetoric,” she ended her campaign with an optimistic message, calling for unity and avoiding further mention of her rival.

Trump, meanwhile, has leaned into his populist appeal, casting himself as the country’s last line of defense against rising crime and immigration issues.

In his final speeches, he warned of election fraud — claims widely debunked by experts — and hinted that he might not concede if he loses, saying he should “never have left” the White House in 2021.

As polls close later tonight, Americans and the world wait anxiously for what could be a turning point in U.S. history. Regardless of the result, today’s vote promises to reshape the nation’s future and its role on the global stage for years to come.

 

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NEWS

Tragic Building Collapse In R/State Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

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A tragic building collapse in Rivers State has left a middle-aged contractor, identified as Udeme, feared dead after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

This incident comes just one week after a three-storey building collapsed at the Iriebe axis of the same local government, though that incident fortunately recorded no casualties.

READ MORE: Fire Ravages Ajah Market In Lagos, Goods Worth Millions Lost

The latest collapse occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, around 2 p.m., with construction workers on site when the structure gave way.

According to eyewitness Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building’s second floor suddenly buckled, trapping Udeme beneath the rubble, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries.

Obey, who attempted to rescue the trapped contractor, suspected negligence, saying, “We couldn’t reach him despite our efforts. An inspection revealed substandard materials had been used, with the foundation only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is insufficient. The rebar was of poor quality, and essential supports, such as a center beam, were absent.”

The Rivers State Government has since sealed off the property and declared the developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted for questioning.

Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his dismay, attributing the collapse to gross negligence.

“This tragedy was preventable,” Bipi stated. “The developer failed to obtain an approved building plan and used inferior materials. The government will ensure accountability and take severe action.”

Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the Ogbogoro Community, affirming that the government will facilitate the family’s recovery of their loved one’s remains. “We sympathize with the bereaved family and the entire community,” he added.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, also condemned the developer’s actions, highlighting the dangers posed when profit is prioritized over safety. “This loss is a direct consequence of unethical practices,” he said.

The government has committed to a thorough investigation and tighter regulatory enforcement to prevent further tragedies in Rivers State.

 

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