The United State has condemned the ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it undermines the fundamental freedom of Nigerians.
Recall that the Buhari-led Federal Government on Friday, announced the suspension of Twitter, saying the platform was persistently used for activities that could undermine the corporate existence of Nigeria.
However, the U.S Mission in Nigeria in a statement on Saturday said Nigeria’s constitution allows for freedom of expression, adding that the ban will not only affect the citizens but also sends poor messages to investors.
“The Government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses.”
The U.S also said that banning social media and curbing the citizens’ ability to seek and receive information undermines fundamental freedom.
“As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.”
The US government said Nigeria can be more secured with more communication and concerted efforts to forge unity, peace, and prosperity.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and Canada had earlier rebuked the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria.
In his response, President Buhari said he banned Twitter not only because the tech company removed his tweet, but also for spreading fake news.
“The temporary suspension of Twitter is not just a response to the removal of the President’s post. There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real world violent consequences,” the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, said on Saturday evening.
