Politics
EU, UK, three others condemn Twitter ban in Nigeria
The European Union, United Kingdom, and three other nations on Saturday expressed disappointment over the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria.
In a joint statement, the UK, Canada, Republic of Ireland, Norway and the EU said the suspension of Twitter would hinder access to information and hamper businesses in Nigeria.
They said the country would be more secure through information sharing, adding that banning systems of expression is not the way to go.
The Federal Government had on Friday suspended Twitter’s operations in Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who announced the government’s decision in a statement, said the platform was suspended because of its persistent use for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”
The suspension of Twitter’s operation came three days after the platform deleted President Muhammadu Buhari’s controversial tweet on the country’s civil war for policy violation.
The United States had earlier condemned the suspension of Twitter’s operation in Nigeria.
The statement read: “The diplomatic missions of Canada, the European Union (Delegation to Nigeria), the Republic of Ireland, Norway, and the United Kingdom convey our disappointment over the Government of Nigeria’s announcement suspending #Twitter and proposing registration requirements for other social media.
READ ALSO: Twitter ban undermines Nigerians’ right to freedom of expression – US
“We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline. Banning systems of expression is not the answer.
“These measures inhibit access to information and commerce at precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication to accompany the concerted efforts of Nigeria’s citizens in fulsome dialogue toward unity, peace and prosperity.
“As Nigeria’s partners, we stand ready to assist in achieving these goals.”
Join the conversation
Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism
Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.
As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.
If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.
Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.
INVESTIGATION: In Kwara, multimillion-naira milk processing plant is abandoned, converted to a chicken outlet
After the government spent millions of naira to establish a milk processing plant in Kwara State that would provided jobs...
SPECIAL REPORT: For Sokoto communities, promise of healthcare is akin to death sentence
In this story, ABDULRASHEED HAMMAD delves into the dire realities of Primary Health Care services in Sokoto State, shedding light...
ICYMI…SPECIAL REPORT: NNPCL hides behind PIA to frustrate disclosure, accountability
Nigeria’s major oil company, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), in what appears to be a common practice of disregard...
INVESTIGATION: Multi-million naira Ekiti resort center remains uncompleted a decade after
The multimillion-naira project, expected to comprise recreational buildings, now consists of cassava farmland, a bush used for excretion, and a...
SPECIAL REPORT: Torturous experiences of students with disabilities in Oyo tertiary institutions
For students with disabilities in Oyo state-owned tertiary institutions, learning is a torturous and distressing experience, considering the building structures...