The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has denied the allegation that it has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to work with Internet Service Providers to shut down Internet access for the forthcoming elections to facilitate rigging.
ONSA in a statement signed by its spokesman, Danjuma Reuben urged the public to disregard the allegation, describing it as disinformation.
“We have no plan to shut down the Internet. In fact, the Internet and associated communication infrastructure are major components of the Critical National Information Infrastructure, which ONSA is mandated to ensure its security,” the statement reads.
It added that the Office in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government makes continuous efforts to protect them and improve service delivery to Nigerians, disclosing that every single national security platform in Nigeria rides on the Internet to function. “Shutting down the Internet is akin to shutting down national development and security,” it noted.
It assures that the Office of the National Security Adviser remains committed to protecting the rights of the public to access information and Communications Technology facilities.