Tag: #Twitterban

  • ECOWAS Court Declares Twitter Ban Unlawful

    ECOWAS Court Declares Twitter Ban Unlawful

    The ECOWAS Court has declared unlawful the suspension of Twitter by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and ordered the administration not to repeat it again.

    This development is coming on the heels of a suit by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 176 concerned Nigerians.

    Recall that following the deletion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweet, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed announced the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria.

    The government also threatened to arrest and prosecute anyone using Twitter in the country, while the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) asked all broadcast stations to suspend the patronage of Twitter.

    But in the judgment delivered on Thursdays, the ECOWAS court declared that it had the jurisdiction to hear the case, and that the case was therefore admissible.

    The court ruled that suspending the operation of Twitter is unlawful and inconsistent with the provisions of Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights both of which Nigeria is a state party.

    “The Buhari administration in suspending the operations of Twitter violates the rights of SERAP and 176 concerned Nigerians to the enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and the media, as well as the right to a fair hearing,” the court ruled.

    It also ordered the Buhari-led administration to take necessary steps to align its policies and other measures to give effect to the rights and freedoms and to guarantee a non-repetition of the unlawful ban of Twitter.

    The ECOWAS court also ordered the government to bear the costs of the proceedings and directed the Deputy Chief Registrar to assess the costs accordingly.

  • FG Lifts Twitter Suspension After Seven Months

    FG Lifts Twitter Suspension After Seven Months

    The Federal Government has lifted the suspension on microblogging site, Twitter, seven months after it suspended the social media platform in Nigeria.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

    Abdullahi, in a statement in Abuja, said the approval was given following a memo written to President Muhammadu Buhari by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.

    According to him, the cause of the suspension was due to unceasing use of the platform by some unscrupulous elements for subversive purposes and criminal activities, propagating fake news, and polarising Nigerians along tribal and religious lines, among others.

    Abdullahi said issues bordering on national security, cohesion and the effects of the abuse of the Twitter platform forced the government to suspend the operation of Twitter to address the direct and collateral issues around its operations in Nigeria.

    He added that the process of resolving the impasse between the FGN and Twitter Inc. helped lay a foundation for a mutually-beneficial future with endless possibilities.

    The statement read in part, “The FGN has asked Twitter to fulfil some conditions before restoring its services. These conditions addressed legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws.

    “Twitter has agreed to meet all the conditions set by the FGN. Consequently, the FGN and Twitter have decided on an execution timeline, which has started this week. Our engagement with Twitter opens a new chapter in global digital diplomacy and sets a new operational template for Twitter to come back stronger for the benefit of Nigerians.”

    The FG said the resolutions agreed with Twitter are the establishment of a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022, which would be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the appointment of a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities.

    “Twitter has agreed to comply with applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law and has agreed to enrol Nigeria in its Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals,” the statement added.

    It continued, “The Partner Support Portal provides a direct channel for government officials and Twitter staff to manage prohibited content that violates Twitter community rules. At the same time, the Law Enforcement Portal provides a channel for the law enforcement agencies to submit a report with a legal justification where it suspects that content violates Nigerian Laws.”

    Abdullahi revealed that based on the agreements, the FGN lifted the suspension of the Twitter operations in Nigeria from midnight of January 13, 2022, and encouraged users to maintain ethical behaviour and refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous, and distasteful information on the platform.

  • BREAKING: Reps reject lifting of Twitter suspension in Nigeria

    BREAKING: Reps reject lifting of Twitter suspension in Nigeria

    The House of Representatives has rejected the lifting of Twitter suspension in Nigeria.

    The rejection came on Thursday while the House was considering the report of its Committee on the issue.

    Daybreak recalls that the Federal Government recently suspended the operations of Twitter in the country following allegations that it allows content capable of threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria.

    Despite the suspension, some Nigerians have continued to access Twitter using the Private Virtual Network, VPN.

    Reacting to the violation of the order, the federal government had promised to prosecute defaulters.

    The House of Reps had thereafter, mandated its Committees on Information, ICT, Intelligence, Justice and Orientation to investigate the circumstances of the suspension by the Federal Government.

    Considering the report on Thursday, Toby Okechukwu, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, suggested an amendment to one of the recommendations.

    The recommendation asked that “the Federal Government take into cognizance the negative effect of the Twitter suspension on Nigerians who depend on the platform for their livelihood” and lift the suspension.

    Formally supported by another member, the motion was rejected by the majority of the House when put to the vote.

  • 70 Civil Groups Urge FG To Reverse Twitter Ban, Withdraw Prosecution Threat

    70 Civil Groups Urge FG To Reverse Twitter Ban, Withdraw Prosecution Threat

    Civil society organisations numbering 70 have called on the Federal Government to reverse the ban placed on Twitter and withdraw the threat to prosecute anyone using the app in the country.

    The groups in a statement jointly signed on Monday condemned the action of the Federal Government describing it as ‘unlawful.’

    “We, the undersigned civil society organizations are concerned about the repression and escalating crackdown on human rights by the Nigerian government, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.

    “We strongly condemn the arbitrary and unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, by the authorities, and the resulting restrictions on the human rights of people, as well as the threat to prosecute anyone using Twitter in Nigeria.

    “We, therefore, call on the Nigerian authorities to immediately rescind the unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria and withdraw the threat to prosecute anyone using Twitter in the country,” the statement read in part.

    The groups also condemn the “directive” issued by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for all broadcast stations to deactivate their Twitter accounts.

    They asked that the Federal Government, “Immediately withdraw the directive to broadcast stations to deactivate their Twitter accounts.”

    The groups asked that the Federal Government end the widespread impunity for human rights violations, in particular the rights to freedom of expression including online, access to information and media freedom.

    They called on the international community, including the UN and the African Union to publicly condemn the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria and to put pressure on the Nigerian authorities to reverse the decision.

    According to the groups, Social media platforms have helped Nigerians to receive information, impart the same, hold useful conversations, and hold the Nigerian authorities to account. A clear example is how social media was used to drive police accountability in the #EndSARs protests last year.

    They lamented that the Nigerian authorities have also set plans in motion to force social media platforms to register in Nigeria and comply with local regulations before they are licensed to operate.

    “The Nigerian authorities have continued to propose laws to regulate the social media, and restrict the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom, including through legislative bills popularly known as the ‘Hate Speech Bill’ and ‘The Social Media Bill’ which both provide severe punitive sanctions such as the death penalty in some cases, for social media users convicted of “crimes” provided under them,” they added.

    The civil groups said the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria is inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international human rights obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    The statement was jointly signed by Amnesty International Nigeria; CISLAC (Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre); Global Rights; Nigeria Mourns; Business and Human Rights Roundtable; Tap Initiative for citizens development; Civil society consortium on civic space; Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD); Alliances for Africa; WILPF Nigeria; Echoes of Women in Africa Initiatives; Akubeze Okocha; B.E.E Initiative; Access to Justice; Sterling Centre for Law & Development; Concerned Nigerians; JENNON-PIUS &Co initiative; Education as a Vaccine; Invictus Africa; Dinidari Foundation; Raising New Voices Initiative; Centre for Impact Advocacy (CIA); Stand To End Rape Initiative (STER); BudgIT; The Interactive Initiative for Social Impact; Enough is Enough (EiE); Yiaga Africa; among others.

  • #Twitterban: Nigeria And Twitter Need Each Other – Lawan

    #Twitterban: Nigeria And Twitter Need Each Other – Lawan

    The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan has called for a resolution of the disagreement between Twitter and the Federal Government, stressing that Nigeria and the social media platform need each other. 

    Lawan said this during a press conference on Friday in Abuja following the Federal Government’s suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria.

    “Nigeria needs Twitter just as Twitter needs Nigeria,” he said, one week after the suspension which has triggered an outcry in the country.

    He welcomed the idea of a dialogue between the Nigerian government and the microblogging site, saying the Senate has been criticised for not coming out with a position on the ban.

    “Many Nigerians are opposing the ban which has been condemned by foreign governments and international organisations,” the lawmaker added.

    The Federal Government of Nigeria had last week announced the indefinite suspension of Twitter in the country.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed while announcing the suspension cited the persistent use of the platform for activities that are “capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

    Following the announcement, telecom operators in Nigeria blocked the microblogging site Twitter, making users unable to have access to the website.

    To this effect, some navigated the hurdle using Virtual Private Networks (VPN).

    Meanwhile, Senator Lawan has assured that the ongoing constitution amendment will not be a jamboree.

    He maintained that the National Assembly is genuine in its intention to amend a constitution to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.

  • #TwitterBan: Respect The Rights Of Nigerians, US tells Buhari

    #TwitterBan: Respect The Rights Of Nigerians, US tells Buhari

    The US has sent another message to President Muhammadu Buhari over the ban of the microblogging site, Twitter.

    In a statement on Thursday, Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, said restricting social media has no place in a democracy.

    He called on Nigeria to reverse the ban and allow freedom of expression.

    The statement read, “The United States condemns the ongoing suspension of Twitter by the Nigerian government and subsequent threats to arrest and prosecute Nigerians who use Twitter. The United States is likewise concerned that the Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission ordered all television and radio broadcasters to cease using Twitter.

    “Unduly restricting the ability of Nigerians to report, gather, and disseminate opinions and information has no place in a democracy. Freedom of expression and access to information both online and offline are foundational to prosperous and secure democratic societies.

    “We support Nigeria as it works towards unity, peace, and prosperity. As its partner, we call on the government to respect its citizens’ right to freedom of expression by reversing this suspension.”

    The Federal Government has maintained a hardline stance on Twitter ban despite pressure within and outside the country.

    In an interview he granted to ARISE TV earlier on Thursday, the president was asked when he would unban Twitter but he simply said, “I’ll keep that close to my chest.”

    Former US President Donald Trump has hailed Buhari over the ban, charging more countries to do the same.

    Although Twitter played a crucial role in Trump’s victory and was also instrumental throughout his presidency, the platform suspended him after he incited an insurrection in the last weeks of his stay in the White House.

    Friday will make it exactly a week since the Nigerian authorities axed Twitter.

    The government has now commenced the process of regulating social media, a move that has been widely rejected.

  • Trump congratulates Nigeria, says more countries should ban Twitter, Facebook

    Trump congratulates Nigeria, says more countries should ban Twitter, Facebook

    Ex-president Donald Trump, 45th president of the United States, has just congratulated Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari for banning the microblogging site, Twitter.

    In a statement, titled, ‘Statement by Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States,’ he said, “Congratulations to the country of Nigeria, who just banned Twitter because they banned their president.

    “More countries should ban Twitter and Facebook for not allowing free and open speech – all voices should be heard.”

    He also urged competitors to “emerge and take hold” of the opportunity.

    “Who are they to dictate good and evil?” he asked.

    He said he should have banned the social media websites while he was President, but “Zukerberg kept calling me and coming to White House for dinner telling me how great I was. 2024?” he concluded.

    Recall that Trump was banned by Twitter while he was still president

  • #TwitterBan: PDP Reps Walk Out During Plenary

    #TwitterBan: PDP Reps Walk Out During Plenary

    Some lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday staged a walkout during plenary at the House of Representatives.

    The lawmakers staged the walkout after its caucus leader Kingsley Chinda was ruled out of order by Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Mr Chinda had prayed the House to urge the Federal Government to suspend the ban while the house conducts its investigation into the legality of the ban.

    Chinda noted that the implication is that the ban would remain for 10 days and the rights of Nigerians would be kept in abeyance during the period of investigation.

    The Speaker, however, cited part of the Standing Orders of the House stating that a matter that had been concluded by the parliament cannot be revisited for a debate.

    The Speaker, therefore, ruled Chinda out of order, a decision that did not go down well with some members of the opposition who walked out of plenary.

    The PDP lawmakers also insisted that they would continue with their threat to go to court over the matter.

    PDP caucus in the House of Representatives had earlier threatened legal action against the Federal Government over its ban of Twitter operations in Nigeria.

    Leader of the caucus in a statement last week Sunday noted that the Nigerian government does not have the power to ban the social media platform, arguing that the action lowers the country’s image in the eyes of other democratic nations.

  • BREAKING: NBC orders broadcasting stations to stop using Twitter

    BREAKING: NBC orders broadcasting stations to stop using Twitter

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Monday ordered all broadcasting stations in the country to suspend the use of Twitter.

    NBC announced this in a statement issued by its Director General, Armstrong Idachaba, on Monday morning.

    Idachaba advised television and radio stations to de-install twitter handles and stop using it as a user-generated content (UGC) for news and programmes presentation especially phone-in.

    It warned that it will be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter.

    The statement further noted section 5.6.3 of the broadcast code which requires broadcasters to be mindful of materials that may cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society in the use of UGC.

  • #Twitterban: US kicks against ban on Twitter by Buhari Govt

    #Twitterban: US kicks against ban on Twitter by Buhari Govt

    The United State Government has kicked against President Muhammadu Buhari government’s decision to ban Twitter in the country.

    The US condemned the ban and described it as a poor message to citizens and investors.

    The US Mission in Nigeria in a statement on Saturday said the Nigerian constitution provides for freedom of information.

    Recall that the Nigerian Government, through the Ministry of Information and Culture had on Friday banned the social media platform indefinitely in the country.

    This happened a few days after Nigerians on Twitter had pleaded with the operators of the platform to suspend President Muhammadu Buhari over his war threat on people of the Southeast Region.

    Twitter had in response, deleted the controversial tweet. The decision was said to have angered the government which in return banned Twitter.

    In a statement, the US Mission said, “Nigeria’s Constitution provides for freedom of Information. The Government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to express this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses.

    “Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedom.

    “As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater. The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity.”