We’re Closely Monitoring Twitter Suspension, Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, Commonwealth
- The Commonwealth has said that the development around the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria is being monitored very closely
- According to Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth has been following the progress and engaging relevant stakeholders
- The observation came after an urgent appeal by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) over the Twitter ban
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
Emerging report indicates that the suspension of Twitter's operation as well as allegations of repression of rights are being monitored in Nigeria.
The Sun reports that Patricia Scotland, the secretary-general of the Commonwealth said the organisation is closely monitoring rights to freedom of expression, access to information, media freedom and disregard for the rule of law amid the temporary ban imposed on the social media platform.
Legit.ng gathered that the development followed an appeal filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
Source: Facebook
The group had asked Commonwealth to apply its charter and hold the federal government to account for the unlawful suspension of Twitter, and the resulting repression of rights.
This was made known on Sunday, August 1, by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, ThisDay added.
Oluwadare expressed delight that SERAP’s letter and concerns raised had caught the attention of the Commonwealth secretary-general.
The international organisation in a letter signed by the officer in charge, governance and peace directorate, Roger Koranteng, said countries who are Commonwealth members are obligated to uphold freedom of expression as one of the core values and principles of the charter.
Twitter Ban: FG updates Nigerians about negotiations to reverse suspension
Earlier, the Nigerian government disclosed that it is yet to begin negotiations with Twitter over the temporary ban imposed on the operations of the social media company in the country.
The government, however, stated that all was set for negotiations to begin. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, the spokesperson for the attorney-general of the federation, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday, July 7.
The Nigerian government disclosed that five serving ministers are part of the committee set up to negotiate with the social media giant.
Nigerians were not stopped from using Twitter
Meanwhile, the federal government told the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday, July 22, that it was aware that some Nigerians were still using the social media platform and that it had not stopped citizens from tweeting.
The government made the disclosure through the attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, in response to a case filed by human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, challenging the suspension of the social media site in Nigeria.
Effiong in a suit pleaded with the court to order a perpetual injunction restraining the federal government from suspending or banning the operation and accessibility of Twitter in Nigeria because the act was in violation of his rights.
Source: Legit.ng
