Mr. Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers of Nigera (Natcomms) has called on federal government to consider extension of Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, OFR, executive vice chairman Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) tenure by at least two years.
"Earnestly deserves to stay in office as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) till the year 2020 but for the Telecommunications Act, 2003 which does not permit more than 2 (Two) terms of 5 (Five) years per term but can enjoy two year tenure extension just like others," he said.
Chief Ufot Ekaete, former secretary to the Government of the Federation according to him, over-stayed in office by over 2-3 years. Alhaji Rafiu Babatunde Tinubu, former head of Service of Lagos State Government, also over-stayed in office for over 2-3 years to the knowledge / approval of both Federal and State Governments respectively.
In both situations, they have either attained the retirement age of 60 years and got their retirement age moved forward, or have served for more than 37 years, which goes against the established procedure of either the attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age, which ever comes first.
Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, assumed office when the entire telephone lines in Nigeria was below 500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand) lines, in eight years, he has revolutionized the telecommunications industry to a record 53,000,000 (Fifty Million) GSM and fixed wired lines.
Ndukwe, also has brought consumerism into the telecommunications industry which ensures that the telecomms consumer and subscriber is not only heard but attended to through the monthly NCC Telecomms Consumer Parliament (TCP) and the Telecomms Consumer Outreach Programme (COP) among others. These Ndukwe’s programmes are not only trail-blazers in our 48 years of independent, they are internationally acclaimed, recognized and awarded by International bodies, which has brought honour to Nigeria as a nation.
Ernest Ndukwe’s diamond age’s white hair is of professionalism, intellect, performance and wisdom that will still serve the Nigerian telecommunications industry till 2010 by God’s Grace, Insha Allah.
The entire telecommunications industry in Nigeria is pleading with the Federal Government of Nigeria to allow him to run his full 2nd Term Tenure of Office till 2010.
His statutory 2nd term tenure is for 5years and was so appointed on contract, based on the Telecommunications Act of 2003, as passed by the lower and upper chambers of the National Assembly.
The Nigerian Telecommunications Industry stakeholders comprising of all operators, all consumers / subscribers and all telecomms industry watchers, all rise to give a standing ovation to Engr. (Dr.) Ernest Ndukwe, OFR, for a job well done so far and to continue the good work till 2010 when his tenure expires.