This report contains what the U.S. advised Nigeria on the ragging saga with Twitter in the bid to sustain peace and tranquility in the country.
The U.S. Department of State in a statement by spokesman, Ned Price advised that Nigeria should respect the right to free speech by reversing its decision on suspension of Twitter operations in the country. .
The Federal Government had on Friday suspended the operations of Twitter indefinitely due to its use for activities that were capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.
The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension of the micro-blogging social network, days after Twitter deleted a post by President Muhammadu Buhari for allegedly violating its policy.
The U. S., however, advised the Federal Government to end the ongoing suspension of Twitter and subsequent threats to arrest and prosecute Nigerians who use it.
“The United States is likewise concerned that the Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission ordered all television and radio broadcasters to cease using Twitter.
“Unduly restricting the ability of Nigerians to report, gather and disseminate opinions and information has no place in a democracy.
“Freedom of expression and access to information both online and offline are foundational to prosperous and secure democratic societies.
“We support Nigeria as it works towards unity, peace, and prosperity,’’ the statement stated.
The U.S, therefore, called on the government to respect its citizens’ right to freedom of expression by reversing this suspension.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the microblogging platform, Twitter, has approached the Federal Government for dialogue with a view to resolving the problem that led to the suspension of its activities in Nigeria.
Mohammed made this known to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the presidential villa, Abuja on Wednesday.
According to him, he got the message from Twitter seeking dialogue with the government over the suspension order on June 9.
He maintained that the social media giant was suspended because it provided an avenue for unpatriotic elements that were bent on destroying the corporate existence of Nigeria.
According to him, the owner of Twitter helped to fund the recent #EndSARS protest while allowing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to use the platform to call for the killing of security agents and destruction of public facilities.
He said Twitter failed to take down Kanu’s tweets in spite of repeated requests to do so.
Mohammed listed conditions that must be met even if there is a discussion with Twitter including that it must now be registered in Nigeria as a business concern.
He said that other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram must also be registered so that the country could be able to generate revenue from their operations.
“Our decision to suspend Twitter has been lauded by some; it has been decried by some.
“But let me make it clear that what’s important to us is the sovereignty of Nigeria and until when Twitter is paused.
“And the cardinal thing is that Twitter must be registered in Nigeria, Twitter must be licenced in Nigeria and Twitter must stop using its platform for activities that are inimical to the growth of Nigeria or to its corporate existence.’’
