BY LEVI JOHNSON
The United States has on Thursday condemns the ongoing suspension of Twitter by the Muhammadu Buhari government and subsequent threats to arrest and prosecute Nigerians who use Twitter.
The President Joe Biden government also frowns at the Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission for ordering all television and radio broadcasters to cease using Twitter.
According to the U.S, restricting the use of social media has no place in a democracy.
United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, bore his mind in a statement on Thursday signed by Blinken’s spokesman, Ned Price.
Titled: ‘Nigeria’s Twitter Suspension’, Blinken condemned the suspension of the micro-blogging site, Twitter, by the Buhari government.
The statement read: “The United States condemns the ongoing suspension of Twitter by the Nigerian government and subsequent threats to arrest and prosecute Nigerians who use Twitter.
”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.
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“We support Nigeria as it works towards unity, peace, and prosperity. As its partner, we call on the government to respect its citizens’ right to freedom of expression by reversing this suspension.”
Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria had on June 4, 2021, suspended Twitter operations in Nigeria, “citing the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”
