Twitter Ban: FG Gives Fresh Order on Suspension of Social Media Platform in Nigeria
- The attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, has ordered the prosecution of Twitter ban violators
- Twitter is currently suspended in Nigeria but some citizens have devised new means of accessing the microblogging platform
- Malami has, therefore, directed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation to ensure swift prosecutions of those bypassing the Twitter suspension
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FCT, Abuja - Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), has allegedly ordered the immediate prosecution of Nigerians who are still accessing Twitter despite the suspension of the microblogging platform, The Nation reported.
The minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced Twitter's suspension in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, June 4.
Source: Getty Images
He cited as the reason for the action the alleged persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence.
It is, however, gathered that some Nigerians are still accessing the social media platform through a virtual private network (VPN).
The development prompted AGF Malami to instruct the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation to persecute those violating the Twitter suspension.
The Cable also reported that the AGF's directive was contained in a statement released by his spokesman, Umar Gwandu.
The statement reads:
“Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has directed the immediate prosecution of offenders of the Federal Government ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria.
“Malami directed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation at the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to swing into action and commence in earnest the process of prosecution of violators of the Federal Government De-activation of operations of Twitter in Nigeria."
“Malami directed the DPPF to liaise with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, National Communication Communication and other relevant government agencies to ensure the speedy prosecution of offenders without any further delay.”
Twitter reacts
Meanwhile, Twitter, on Saturday, June 5, has promised to do all it can to ensure Nigerians have access to its platform once again.
Commenting on the development via its public policy handle, it said open internet is an essential human right in this day and age.
The statement read:
“We are deeply concerned by the blocking of Twitter in Nigeria. Access to the free and #OpenInternet is an essential human right in modern society. We will work to restore access for all those in Nigeria who rely on Twitter to communicate and connect with the world."
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Mike Ozekhome speaks on Twitter ban
Meanwhile, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has said he is not surprised that the federal government decided to suspend Twitter operations in Nigeria.
According to him, the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has a low tolerance for criticisms.
In a statement on Friday, June 4, Ozekhome said the current administration derives joy from going after its perceived enemies but cannot stand punches from critics.
Source: Legit.ng
