MTN Fines, Former US AG Eric Holder: Matters Arising

Dear Attorney Eric Holder,

Several months ago MTN asked to register SIM cards. My MTN line 08033xxxxxx one of the earliest subscribers and now platinum subscriber  duly registered in 2014/2015. I was to receive sms during the presidency of Buhari to register again. I was to read that MTN’s problems has political underpins. Someone is said to target MTN for personal gains. Because they own shares in Etisalat and do you know these are not pro-people they don't want competition, any competition, commercial competition,  political competition, scholars competition and if they are good tell me why are they so afraid of competition?. Now Etisalat has become a more expensive network because a member of their kitchen cabinet has hidden personal interest in Etisalat. That is the change Nigerians voted for, right?

I have read the news of your appointment by MTN as a negotiator. No, not appointed as a lawyer to advocate MTN causes in Nigerian courts.  In US every Attorney is equal no QC, KC, SAN and MTN now opts for  a former AG under Barack Obama, to negotiate the multi million dollars fine. Public knowledge, Obama has influence in Nigeria.  Some of those now crying wolf  are aware that David Axelrod, the Chief political strategist to Obama was employed as APC/Buhari’s campaign advisor.

Respectfully submitted

Attorney Carol Ajie

MTN seeks help of U.S. ex-attorney general over N780 billion fine

THE GUARDIAN

• By Adeyemi Adepetun with agency report on February 4, 2016 3:55 am

INDICATIONS emerged yesterday that in its bid to find a lasting solution that could turn things around over the N1.04 trillion fine hanging on its neck, embattled telecommunications firm, MTN, has hired former United States of America’s Attorney-General, Eric Holder, to help it challenge the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the issue.
This development is coming after MTN sought an out-of-court settlement with the NCC on the fine, which has been slashed to N780 billion.
According to Financial Times, Holder visited Nigeria, precisely Abuja in January to plead with top government officials on behalf of MTN.
“His experience as attorney-general in dealing with a lot of corporate problems was interesting to MTN,” the publication quoted a source close to the negotiations as saying.“The company hoped Holder’s experience and stature could inject some balance into the equation.”
As US attorney general between 2009 and 2015, Holder was said to have presided over the biggest corporate settlements in US history.
These included the $13 billion that JPMorgan Chase paid over the sale of mortgage-backed securities before the financial crisis, and BP’s $18 billion fine for the Horizon oil spill.
Financial Times disclosed that a top government official who is aware of the deal with Holder, expressed dissatisfaction, saying: “Why would Eric Holder change anything? It looks a little desperate, like they couldn’t find anyone with proximity who is able to influence the president.”
The publication said MTN declined to comment on the allegations of hiring Holder.The telecommunications operator resorted to legal option after losing in the bid to make the government soft pedal on the sanction.
However, following the request for out-of-court settlement, Mohammed Idris, a judge of the federal high court in Lagos, adjourned the matter till March 18, with analysts saying there is a high possibility of the two parties reaching a decision before then.
Meanwhile, an official of MTN Nigeria, who spoke on the condition of anonymity with The Guardian, said he cannot confirm or deny any of such detail, “but nothing is impossible when you are looking for something.”