The United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and Ireland have said they are disappointed by the decision of the Federal Government to ban Twitter in Nigeria.
The countries made their reservation known in a joint statement they issued on Saturday.
The Federal Government announced the suspension of Twitter on Friday, two days after the microblogging site deleted a tweet of President Muhammadu Buhari after it was deemed to have “violated the Twitter rules”.
Reacting, the foreign missions stated that the suspension of Twitter will hinder access to information and hamper businesses, especially at this time when Nigeria is still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to them, the freedom of expression is a fundamental human right granted to Nigerians, adding that the banning of the microblogging platform is not the answer to whatever grouse the government perceives to have with the social media giant.
The statement read: “The diplomatic missions of Canada, the European Union (Delegation to Nigeria), the Republic of Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States of America convey our disappointment over the Government of Nigeria’s announcement suspending #Twitter and proposing registration requirements for other social media.
“We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline. Banning systems of expression is not the answer.
“These measures inhibit access to information and commerce at precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The foreign missions noted that Nigeria will be more secure through information sharing and stands ready to assist the country to achieve its goals.
“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication to accompany the concerted efforts of Nigeria’s citizens in fulsome dialogue toward unity, peace and prosperity.
“As Nigeria’s partners, we stand ready to assist in achieving these goals.”
The US had earlier on Saturday issued a statement, warning that the ban sends a “poor message” to Nigerians, current and potential investors as well as businesses.
Other members of the international community such as United Kingdom, Sweden and Canada had also weighed in on the matter, with all saying that Nigerians have the constitutional right to freely express themselves on Twitter.
The Federal Government announced the suspension of Twitter on Friday, two days after the microblogging site deleted a tweet of President Muhammadu Buhari after it was deemed to have “violated the Twitter rules”.
President Buhari had after meeting with the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday following the attacks on the commission’s offices in the South-East region said his administration will treat those fomenting trouble in the country “in the language they understand”.
Many Nigerians inundated the microblogging site with requests for the removal of the controversial tweet and a suspension of the president’s account.
Despite initially saying that President Buhari’s tweet did not violate its rules, Twitter reversed its stance later on Wednesday, deleting the tweet.
According to the social media platform, “this tweet violated the Twitter rules”.
But Mohammed, the Information Minister, had accused Twitter of double standards, insisting that the microblogging site’s rules are not the universal laws.
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