The Federal Government has halted the operations of micro-blogging platform, Twitter in Nigeria indefinitely.
In a statement released on Twitter by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the government says the Microblogging and social networking service has been used to persistently undermine Nigeria’s corporate existence.
“The Minister said the Federal Government has also directed the
National Broadcasting l Commission (NBC) to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria”, added Segun Adeyemi, the Special Assistant to the Minister.
The Govt also announced its decision to also begin licensing of Social media operations in NIgeria.
This action by the federal government follows the deletion of a tweet on the ‘Nigerian Civil War’ by Twitter on President Muhammadu Buhari’s account.
The Federal government had raised suspicion over Twitter’s role in Nigeria following the tweet removal and the suspension of the President’s account for 12 hours by Twitter for allegedly violating its rules.
Mohammed in the statement also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria, with immediate effect.
The New Diplomat had reported that Buhari on Tuesday took to his official Twitter handle to caution insurrectionists responsible for the destruction of public institutions recently reported in the South-East.
Buhari, who was reacting to the destruction of 42 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) buildings across Nigeria, primarily in the Southeast, threatened to “shock” those responsible for the arson.
However, following the massive complains filed by many Twitter users, the microblogging company decided to delete the said President’s tweet.
This latest development is being considered by many as a direct retaliation to Twitter’s action on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, following the suspension of Twitter’s operation, many Nigerians took to the social media platforms to express their view on the decision of the FG.
Here are some reactions gathered from Twitter;
“FG says it has banned twitter in Nigeria but na still via twitter dem dey make the announcement. I never see country wey clown reach Nigeria, abi sorry, UAR.”(@meettheRichard)
“Confuse bunch!! Imagine banning Twitter in Nigeria and still using the same App to let us know! What are the measures to effect this suspension abeg?😮💨🤡”(@Simply_Tacha)
“Does President Buhari and the federal government know how much young Nigerians make on social media platforms like Twitter daily? Does Lai Mohammed know the number of jobs being sustained by Twitter in Nigeria 🇳🇬? What is wrong with these people?”(@ogbeniDipo)
“If the Nigerian government have its way it’ll cutt out the tongue of every Nigerian. Just because Twitter allows equality for everyone, they are pained and want to suspend Twitter in Nigeria.?? Clowns”(@Cele_Audu)
“If they want us to take this Twitter in Nigeria suspension serious, Buhari, Bashir, Femi Adesina, Lai Mohammed and the rest of the gang should first deactivate their account, then we will know that they mean business.”(@UnclePamilerin)
“Using Twitter to announce the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria. I bloody love this country 😩😂”(@Veeiye)
“The suspension of the activities of @Twitter in Nigeria by the @MBuhari administration should be ignored by @Jack. The Buhari government has no means of enforcing the suspension. Even officials of the Buhari regime are still on Twitter
#TwitterSuspendBuharisAccount
#TableShaker”(@RenoOmokri)
“Banning @Twitter violates S. 22 & 39 of the 1999 Constitution. Twitter seems to be the only medium through which we hold the reckless regime of Buhari responsible. We will resist the attempts to ban Twitter in Nigeria.”(@mrfestusogun)
