Twitter takes fresh decision on Nigeria
IPI seeks reversal of suspension
By Eniola Idris
The microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, has promised to restore access to its new platform to all Nigerians.
A tweet by Twitter’s Public Policy on Saturday said open internet is an essential human right and it will help Nigerians who rely on its platform connect with the world.
Twitter made the decision in reaction to the indefinite suspension slammed on it by the Nigerian Government.
The tweet reads, “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. #KeepitOn.”
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had on Friday announced the suspension of Twitter during a press conference in Abuja while explaining that Nigerians were persistently using the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.
Meanwhile, the International Press
Institute ( IPI) expresses concern over the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government.
Chairman, IPI Nigeria, Kabiru Yusuf in a statement to SlyNews said the action is detrimental to the free press in Nigeria which uses twitter as a major platform.
IPI notes the concern of the government on the use of twitter and other social media platforms to promote hate speech and disinformation. We urge twitter and other social media outfits to pay greater attention to the content they promote on their platforms which violate their own rules.
IPI implores the Government to reverse the suspension of twitter operations in nigeria and engage in meaningful dialogue with the social media outfit on issues of concern to the government.
