The Peter Obi and Bishop David Oyedepo “leaked” audio saga has taken a new twist, as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied any involvement in the leakage of the reported audio conversation between them.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and the Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo had been allegedly recorded in a telephone conversation that has generated reactions.
The purported telephone conversation has however raised doubts concerning the genuineness of Peter Obi’s claims that he did not campaign for the 2023 presidential elections on the grounds of religion or ethnicity
NCC Clears Self
The NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, clarified in a statement on Tuesday that the commission is bound by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and, therefore, cannot track or leak telephone conversations to anyone.
The NCC issued the statement in response to allegations that it was responsible for the leakage of the conversation, which had gone viral on social media.
According to Punch, the commission noted that it had received numerous enquiries from the media on the issue and had reported the allegations to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action.
Peter Obi and David Oyedepo: What Actually Transpired
In the leaked audio clip, Obi was reportedly heard asking Oyedepo to help spread his message to Christians in the South-West and parts of North-Central, purportedly saying, “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.”
Obi’s Team Responds
Reacting to the leaked audio, Valentine Obienyem, a media aide to Obi, said that the conversation was edited out of context. Similarly, Oyedepo, speaking to the congregation at the church’s headquarters, Faith Tabernacle, Ota, Ogun State, said that he had never campaigned for any politician or spoken on their behalf in the build-up to the general elections.
The NCC reiterated 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.
It denied the allegations in their entirety and clarified that it does not and cannot track or leak telephone conversations of anyone.
The commission’s statement aimed to set the record straight and address the growing concerns surrounding the reported leakage of the audio conversation.
Final Thoughts
While the source of the said leakage remains unknown, the NCC’s statement sends a clear message that it takes such allegations seriously and will take necessary action to ensure that its responsibilities are discharged in accordance with the law.
The incident highlights the growing role of social media in disseminating information, including leaked audio recordings. It also underscores the need for responsible use of technology and adherence to ethical standards by all stakeholders, including individuals, media organizations, and regulatory agencies.
The NCC’s clarification serves as a reminder that technology should be used in a responsible and ethical manner to safeguard the rights and interests of all concerned parties.