Coalition Criticizes Petitioner, Encourages NPC To Stay On Track

LAGOS – A group of Civil Society Organizations known as Equity and Transparency Development Initiative (ETDI) has strongly criticized a complaint filed against the National Population Commission (NPC).

In a statement released and shared with reporters in Abuja by Dr. Oduma Isaac Oduma, the National Coordinator, the organization condemned the petition and advised the NPC, other agencies, and the public to ignore the schemes of criminal groups using the Freedom of Information Act for extortion.

The statement mentioned, “It’s just not right that this one individual (name undisclosed) keeps using our good name to carry out his misdeeds. We are deeply dismayed and shocked by his false and harmful accusations against the National Population Commission. We want to make it clear that our Coalition has no association with this fake person and the false information he wrote.”

The NPC needs to stay laser-focused on its key responsibilities, like conducting a transparent National Census, and steer clear of shady characters trying to extort honest public servants. 

The Coalition also urges government bodies and citizens to promptly alert authorities about scammers posing as CSO members and for security agencies to take swift action against such threats. 

They’re urging all Nigerians to report any blackmail attempts to the proper authorities and emphasize that the Freedom of Information Act shouldn’t be misused for fraudulent activities.

ETDI wrapped up by encouraging Nigerians to “ignore the unfounded claims in the made-up petition” and urged the federal government and all Nigerians to back the NPC during this crucial period to facilitate the essential National Population and Housing Census for accurate data crucial for national progress.