Just In: US Government officially condemns Buhari’s #TwitterBan

The United States government has condemned President Buhari’s Twitter ban in Nigeria.

In a statement from the United States Secretary of State, signed by spokesperson Ned Price on Thursday, the United States government condemned the action of the Buhari regime to ban usage of Twitter in Nigeria.

The statement reads:

“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 last Friday had suspended the operations of Twitter, the microblogging and social networking service, in Nigeria.

Lai Mohammed, Minister of information, announced the suspension in a statement.

According to the statement, the minister cited “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence”.

But many say that is only a cover and Twitter was suspended for deleting a tweet of President Muhammadu Buhari.