In the past, during Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Internet services and sometimes gsm services have been observed to be jammed with the view to curb examination malpractices through telecom services.
It has also been observed that internet services and also sometimes gsm services were occasionally unavailable during past elections in the country.
With the 2019 general elections drawing ever closer, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has alleged that there are plans by the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser as directed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work with internet service providers to shut down internet access during the elections.
Governor Wike said that shutting down internet access by the NSA and INEC is aimed at facilitating the rigging of the 2019 General elections.
He made the allegation when he received Savannah Centre Council on Peaceful and Violence Free Election in Nigeria at the Government House Port Harcourt.
The governor said that the negative actions of the Buhari administration indicate that they will not accept defeat when they lose the forthcoming elections.
He advised President Muhammadu Buhari to emulate Former President, Goodluck Jonathan who placed Nigeria above personal consideration.
According to Wike, “The National Security Adviser has met with INEC to ensure that internet service providers shut down the internet so that foreign bodies won’t see what’s happening in the country during the elections.
“They will jam all the frequencies and internet services to stop real-time communication during the elections.
“This plot to rig the forthcoming elections is a recipe for violence. They will not succeed in whatever they are planning. The world will be informed about their criminal activities.
“I don’t think this administration will willingly accept defeat. They should emulate Former President, Goodluck Jonathan who lost elections and accepted the outcome.
“There was no litigation. He went back home and did not generate crisis”.