Micro-blogging site, Twitter has reacted to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s decision to suspend Twitter in the country as it says the suspension of its operations in Nigeria is “deeply concerning”.
According to reports, Twitter’s Senior Policy Communications Manager for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Sarah Hart, stated this in an email response where she also noted that they are investigating the issue.
“The announcement made by the Nigerian Government that they have suspended Twitter’s operations in Nigeria is deeply concerning.
“We’re investigating and will provide updates when we know more”.
Twitter is still running in Nigeria
That notwithstanding, checks by The Vaultz Media (TVM) on Twitter show that Twitter is still up and running in Nigeria as users still have access to the platform. More so, it is not known when the ban will be enforced since the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, didn’t mention when it will take effect.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s first lady, Aisha Buhari, has deactivated her Twitter account after the announcement of suspending Twitter in the country. Shortly before deactivating her account, she wrote:
“I will be deactivating my Twitter account for now. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Ayo Fayose wants all social media platforms of Buhari deactivated
Speaking about deactivating accounts, the former Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose, has called on Twitter and other social media platforms to deactivate the accounts of President Buhari. He made this request in a series of tweets which read:
”I said it before and let me reiterate it again that it is only a ‘Jonah’ in a ship that can make such pronouncement, suspending Twitter from the country. God, please save us from President Buhari, ‘the Jonah in our ship’. Those undermining the rights of Nigerians to freedom of expression should themselves not enjoy such rights. Therefore, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other Social media platforms should deactivate all accounts associated with @MBuhari and his govt as done in Turkey in 2020 for us to have peace in Nigeria.”
Banky W calls for change in the system
That notwithstanding, Nigerian singer and politician, Banky W, has described the Federal government’s decision to suspend Twitter operations in the country as ”Clueless” and is calling for a change in the system.
In a series of Tweets, Banky said the government cannot stop kidnapping and other vices plaguing the country but they can come out to ban Twitter. He proposed that since the retirement age in Nigeria is 65, Nigerians should form the habit of not voting into office, politicians who are above 65.
”Nigerian Government bans Twitter, and announce the ban ON Twitter. You can’t make this up. Clueless. They can’t stop kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism… the country is as unsafe as ever… yet they can seize passports and block bank accounts of peaceful protesters. They ban cryptocurrency, but they ban Twitter. Completely out of touch with the plight of young people.
“The retirement age in Nigeria is 65. What if we decide not to vote for anyone over the age of 65? Regardless of party. If you’ll be over 65 at the time of elections, we won’t vote for you. It’ll at least eliminate an entire group that has had enough opportunities to fix this mess.
“We did #NotTooYoungToRun. Can we consider doing #NowToOldToRule? If you’re over 65, you’ve had your chance to help fix this mess. Isn’t it time for that entire generation to rest? The Nigerian Government should not be a retirement home. It’s worth a thought. It’s worth a shot”.
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