The United States mission in Nigeria on Saturday said the Buhari administration’s suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria “undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise (their) fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses”.
Fedredsnews had earlier reported Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed announcement of “indefinite” suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria. The move was a punishment for the audacity to delete Buhari’s threatening message to deal ruthlessly
Reacting, the US said the recent suspension undermines citizens’ fundamental freedom and also sends a wrong message to investors.
“Nigeria’s constitution provides for freedom of expression. The Government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses,” the statement reads.
“Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedoms. As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.
“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity.”
