THE House of Representatives has expressed concerns over the controversy and implications of fine imposed on one of the major telecoms operator in the country, MTN.Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune at the weekend, in Ibadan, the House Standing Committee on Telecommunications, chaired by Honourable Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, disclosed that the fine was in accordance with the Nigeria law, Nigeria Communication Commission Regulation Act 2005, paragraph 19 and 20.
He, however, said the process leading to the reduction of the N1.04 trillion fine by the Federal Government was not satisfactory.
The lawmaker said the process was flawed on the grounds that the National Assembly that is constitutionally saddled with the power of the purse was excluded from being part of the process.
“During the last investigative hearing held on Tuesday, December 15, with the management of Nigeria Communication Commission, the House Committee regretted that the fine and the accompanying typographical error in its multiple reductions have dealt a huge blow to the country’s image with remarks about error at international fora.”
Worried by the erroneous fine reduction, Fijabi, representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives said, “It was an embarrassment to Nigeria.

We have resolved to summon all parties involved in the exercise for a larger hearing slated for tomorrow, December 22, so as to explain what informed the initial fine of over N1 trillion as well as the reduction from 35 per cent to 25 per cent.”
He also stated that “Our observers may presume that we as a nation either have no rules of operation with regards to business operation or if we do, we may lack sincerity in our operations,” he said.

Tribuneonline…..

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