Governor Seyi Makinde Condemns Buhari’s Suspension Of Twitter Operations In Nigeria

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has condemned the decision of the Federal Government to indefinitely suspend Twitter operations in Nigeria.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Federal Government had suspended Twitter operations indefinitely in Nigeria on Friday, June 4, 2021.

Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed said the government was forced to act because of “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence”.

Reacting in a statement on Saturday, Governor Makinde appealed to the Federal Government to reverse the suspension, noting that Twitter is a platform for young people to exercise their fundamental right and publish various opinions.

“Statement by Governor Seyi Makinde Regarding the Suspension of Twitter’s Operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government.

“It has become imperative for me to release a statement regarding the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government.

“As leaders, we should go beyond emotional reactions to issues and think about how our actions will affect the people we lead and our international ratings socially and economically.

“Twitter has become the platform for young people and indeed all Nigerians to exercise their fundamental right to express and publish an opinion.

They use the platform to complain, argue and give feedback to government and its agencies who in turn, use these to improve policies. This is a fundamental point that should be kept in mind as we debate the necessity of this suspension.

“We should also remember that Twitter has gone beyond a source of communication for many of our hardworking youths in Nigeria. It has become a source of livelihood for many, irrespective of their political affiliations or religious leanings.

“Nigerian youths and digital communications organisations earn a living from being able to use the platform to post communications on behalf of their clients.

“Others who may not have physical stores also rely on Twitter to give visibility to their products and services.

“Furthermore, I believe the Federal Government should be actively interested in how certain policies and action will affect investor confidence.

“I, therefore, use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to reverse this suspension for the greater good of Nigerians,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, Twitter has expressed “deep concern” over the suspension of its operations by the Nigerian Government, adding that the company is investigating the development.

The suspension comes just two days after Twitter deleted President Buhari’s tweet which threatened to deal with “pro-Biafran secessionist” in “the language they will understand”.

Twitter said the offensive tweet violated the social media companyny’s abusive behavior policy, leading to a 12-hour suspension of President Buhari’s account.

Yesterday, Facebook also joined Twitter in removing President Buhari’s civil war controversial message on its platform, saying that it violates its standards and capable if inciting violence.