Reps Summons FG, NCC Over MTN Fine Reduction to N330bn

THE House of Representatives has summoned Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his Communications counterpart, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu to appear before it over the sudden reduction of fine imposed on MTN Nigeria from N1.4 trillion to N330 billion.

Also in the list to appear over the matter is the Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Garba Dambatta.

According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Hon. Shaheed Fijabi, issued the order at the committee’s resumed investigation on the MTN-fine saga in Abuja on Monday adding that the Committee was uncomfortable with the sudden reduction of the fine without its knowledge.

Fijabi said the action was a disregard to the committee’s resolution which earlier put the matter on hold for thorough investigations to be concluded thereby describing it as undermining the integrity and independence of the National Assembly.

“The two ministers, the Chief Executive Officer of NCC and all other persons involved in the negotiations are to appear before the committee on Monday next week by 10.00 a. m,’’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Mr Sunny Echono, who briefed the Committee had said that the N330 billion settlement deal got the approval of the Presidency after the court directed all the parties to go into negotiation.

“I am in a position to confirm to this committee that government has approved N330 billion as full and final settlement of fine impose on MTN by NCC.

“This was pursuant to series of procedural and other reviews, including the constitution of inter-ministerial committee under the auspices of the AGF.

“We were told that the action of the committee was independent of whatever action the executive arm may want to take on it.

“It is the need for finality for the closure of this impasse that has been on for long time and its general impact on the sector that the decision was taken.

“I can confirm that the decision has the blessing of the highest level of government,’’ Echono said. (NAN)