Home Blog Page 1781

“We will work to restore access for all those in Nigeria” – Twitter fights back Buhari’s regime #KeepitOn

NewsWireNGR
-
0
“We will work to restore access for all those in Nigeria” – Twitter fights back Buhari’s regime #KeepitOn

The management of Twitter has reacted to the ban on its operations by the Nigerian government, assuring Nigerian users that it will work to restore access.

In a statement on its Public Policy handle, the social media platform said: “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.”

The microblogging site said, “We will work to restore access for all those in Nigeria who rely on Twitter to communicate and connect with the world. #KeepitOn,”

The Federal Government had Friday suspended, indefinitely, the operations of the microblogging and social networking service site in Nigeria, citing the persistent use of the Twitter platform for activities that were capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.

Twitter ban was announced by the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, two days after Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweet posted wherein he threatened to deal with secessionists “in the language they understand”.

The social media networking site had said the tweet violated the Twitter Rules.

The President had released series of tweets after meeting with the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, wherein he warned that those promoting insurrection and those sponsoring destruction of critical national assets would soon have the shock of their lives.

He had also threatened to deal with “those misbehaving today” “in the language they understand.” The ban has attracted widespread condemnations as Nigerians described it as violation of rights of citizens and a prelude to dictatorship.

“Anti-democratic, unconstitutional” – TechHer Condemns Twitter Ban by Buhari-led Government #KeepitOn

NewsWireNGR
-
0
“Anti-democratic, unconstitutional” – TechHer Condemns Twitter Ban by Buhari-led Government #KeepitOn

The announcement on Friday by @NigeriaGov banning @Twitter operations in Nigeria is “condemn-able and an affront to the fundamental human rights of Nigerians”.

TechHer in a statement issued Saturday and made available to NewsWireNGR, reads in parts, “We’re deeply concerned that this draconian act rolls back democratic gains made over the years”- the statement added, “Banning Twitter or any other social media directly attacks the voices of Nigerians and limits their contribution to the growth of democracy and development”.

The Organization condemned the directive by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, calling for the arrest of citizens who have defied this illegal Federal Government ban. “No one should be prosecuted for exercising a constitutional right to freedom of expression”, the statement continued.

According to TechHer, digital spaces like Twitter have strengthened and amplified the voices of women and girls, circumventing existing barriers and negative gender norms. “It has provided unprecedented opportunities to access information, participate in the public sphere and improve livelihoods”.

It says, while the rest of the world takes advantage of what technology offers for growth and jobs for the unemployed, Nigeria should not be seen to be moving in the opposite direction, shrinking civic space.

“This ban is anti-democratic, unconstitutional, and we call for its immediate reversal. We also call on Nigerians to stand firm in the face of oppression as we remain committed to building our dear nation”.

Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, has declared its support for the ban on Twitter by the Buhari regime #KeepitOn

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, has declared its support for the ban on Twitter by the Buhari regime #KeepitOn

Nigeria’s ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC, has declared its support for the ban on Twitter by the Nigerian government.

The ruling party alleged that the social media giant’s support for divisive views threatens Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interest.

John Akpanudoedehe, said in his reaction issued on Saturday, said, “We are a democratic and independent nation, citizens should defend our sovereignty by supporting the federal government’s Twitter suspension. It is in our national interest,” the party’s interim national secretary,

The APC’s stance comes 24 hours after the Buhari administration announced the ban on Twitter in Nigeria. The implementation of the ban commenced on Saturday with mobile telecoms operators blocking access to Twitter for all their users, based on a government directive.

Many Nigerians have been using Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to bypass the ban – In its reaction, the APC said Nigerian youth should see the ban as an opportunity for a homegrown social media network.

“Russia has VKontakte (VK), China has Weibo, among several homegrown social media platforms. The APC believes that the country has the potentials and talents that can develop alternative and competitive applications to existing platforms in the world. Twitter’s suspension will undoubtedly serve as a positive trigger to unleash the creative potentials of Nigerians in the global digital space.

“This is a challenge to our vibrant youths with such talents. They will get support in the exercise from relevant federal government agencies as well as the numerous Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training and research establishments in the country,” the ruling party said.

Buhari’s #TwitterBan “smacks of intolerance, insensitivity, and aversion to the views, opinions and aspirations of Nigerian citizens” – Minority leader, Elumelu

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Buhari’s #TwitterBan “smacks of intolerance, insensitivity, and aversion to the views, opinions and aspirations of Nigerian citizens” – Minority leader, Elumelu

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria by the Federal Government describing it as a clear violation of freedom of speech and other democratic rights and tenets as provided by the 1999 constitution.

The lawmakers, in a statement by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, on Saturday, described the suspension as “provocative, obnoxious and unjustifiable”.

The caucus said it holds that the decision of the Federal Government in suspending Twitter “smacks of intolerance, insensitivity, and aversion to the views, opinions and aspirations of Nigerian citizens, especially the youths, on matters of state.”

They rejected the decision of the Federal Government which according to them amounts to a clampdown and a direct infringement on the rights of Nigerians to free speech as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

They further described the suspension as suppressing of Nigerian citizens.

“It further shows the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration as one that is unwilling to listen to Nigerians but ready to use any means to suppress and subjugate its citizens.

“The Minority Caucus is disturbed that the suspension of Twitter in the country came after the social media platform deleted President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweets.

“Such response by the Federal Government has raised further concerns over the APC-led administration’s disturbing rating on issues of political intolerance, abuse of rights and violation of rules in our country.”

The action of the Federal Government, according to the Minority Caucus is coming at a time the National Assembly is conducting its public hearing towards the amendment of the constitution and may constitute a major setback capable of diminishing public confidence in the exercise as well as other processes genuine efforts by the legislature to strengthen democratic tenets in the country.

The Minority caucus, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately reverse the suspension placed on Twitter so as not to exacerbate the already tensed situation in the country.

Breaking: Nigerian govt doubles down on #TwitterBan

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Breaking: Nigerian govt doubles down on #TwitterBan

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT ON TWITTER SUSPENSION IN NIGERIA

The temporary suspension of Twitter is not just a response to the removal of the President’s post. There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real world violent consequences. All the while, the company has escaped accountability.

Nevertheless, the removal of President Buhari’s tweet was disappointing. The censoring seemed based on a misunderstanding of the challenges Nigeria faces today.

The President in his address at the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA in 2019 said “the world was shocked and startled by the massacre in New Zealand by a lone gunman taking the lives of 50 worshippers.”

This and similar crimes which have been fueled by social media networks risk seeping into the fabric of an emerging digital culture.

Major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities. They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.

President Buhari has therefore been warning against social media’s disruptive and divisive influences and the government’s action is not a knee-jerk reaction to Twitter’s preposterous deletion of his tweet which should have been read in full.

The tweet was not a threat, but a statement of fact. A terrorist organisation (IPOB) poses a significant threat to the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.

When the President said that they will be treated “in a language they understand,” he merely reiterated that their force shall be met with force. It is a basic principle of security services response world over.

This is not promotion of hate, but a pledge to uphold citizens’ right to freedom from harm. The government cannot be expected to capitulate to terrorists.

IPOB is proscribed under Nigerian law. Its members murder innocent Nigerians. They kill policemen and set government property on fire. Now, they have amassed a substantial stockpile of weapons and bombs across the country.

Twitter does not seem to appreciate the national trauma of our country’s civil war. This government shall not allow a recurrence of that tragedy.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 5, 2021

Nigeria’s #TwitterBan as a poor message to investors – US Government

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Nigeria’s #TwitterBan as a poor message to investors – US Government

The US has condemned the ban on Twitter by the Nigerian government, describing it as a poor message to citizens and investors.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, had announced the indefinite suspension of Twitter on Friday, accusing the microblogging site of working against Nigeria’s interest.

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

“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.”

But many Nigerians, who rejected the action of government took to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to circumvent the ban.

However, on Saturday, Abubakar Malami, SAN, ordered the prosecution of those still using Twitter services.

.

‘Federal Government’s #twitterban is a violation of our people’s rights’ – Desmond Elliott says

NewsWireNGR
-
0
‘Federal Government’s #twitterban is a violation of our people’s rights’ – Desmond Elliott says

Lagos state assembly member, Desmond Elliot says there is no justification for the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria by the federal government.

In a Twitter thread on Saturday, the lawmaker representing Surulere at the Lagos state house of assembly called on the federal government to reverse the suspension.

Elliot said regardless of the government’s reason for the suspension, the directive “tramples upon our fundamental rights as people.”

According to him, the country must examine the social and economic implication of the suspension on its populace, majority of which depend on the platform for promoting their businesses.

“I want to admonish our government to always remember that the people’s right to express themselves freely must not be compromised. This ban, no matter the reasons proffered tramples upon our fundamental rights as people,” he wrote.

“In a democratic society like ours, we must weigh the economic and social impact of this ban on the populace — especially our teeming youths and entrepreneurs who depend solely on this platform to carry out their legitimate business.”

He said the federal government must strive to sustain its reputation for standing “on the side of the people even when it’s not convenient” by reversing the suspension.

“In the past, our government have shown the required goodwill to stand on side of the people even when it’s not too convenient for them to do so. I believe that this won’t be an exception,” he added.

“I want to appeal to the government to reconsider this ban in the interest of our people and our country at large.”

Recall that the Nigerian government had on Friday announced the indefinite suspension of the social media service because of “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

The sanction of the microblogging platform has continued to spark widespread outrage, with many Nigerians, including celebrities, condemning the move.

Two killed in Kaduna as armed bandits burn down Assemblies of God church

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Two killed in Kaduna as armed bandits burn down Assemblies of God church

A church building of the Assemblies of God denomination in Kaduna has been razed by bandits.

Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, said on Saturday.

According to Aruwan, two people were killed and others injured in the attack at Kabai general area of Chikun LGA.

“The agencies also reported a church building of the Assemblies of God denomination and one house were burnt by the attackers. Those killed are: Zakka Kure and Dare Daudu,” he said.

According to Aruwan,” spouses of some pastors sustained injuries and are presently receiving medical attention in a private facility. The injured are: Maryamu Daniel and Naomi Daniel.”

He said citizens would be updated on further developments emerging from the area.

“Similarly, the security agencies have reported to the government the killing of three citizens in transit and injuring of several around the Lambar Zango area of Kaduna-Zaria Road in Igabi LGA.”

“The citizens lost their lives following an attack by armed bandits.”

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condoled families of the five citizens and prayed God grants them eternal rest. The Governor further prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving medical attention.”

“The Governor has directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to carry out immediate assessment at the church and the other affected building in Kabai village.” he said.

88 people have been killed by bandits in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi state

NewsWireNGR
-
0
88 people have been killed by bandits in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi state

The Police Command in Kebbi on Saturday confirmed that bandits killed 88 people in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Nafi’u Abubakar who confirmed the figure, said all the victims were killed in eight different communities in the local government area.

According to him, the command has so far recovered the 88 bodies and dispatched a detachment of operatives to maintain law and order in the affected communities.

“The killing took place in Koro, Kimpi, Gaya, Dimi, Zutu, Rafin Gora and Iguenge villages, all in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State.

“Initially, the bodies recovered were 66 but as I am talking to you now, about 88 bodies have been recovered,” Mr Abubakar said.

Recall that in April, bandits killed nine police officers, in the area, including the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, as they were responding to a distressed call.

Breaking: Government to prosecute Twitter ban violators – Malami

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Breaking: Government to prosecute Twitter ban violators – Malami


Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has directed for the immediate prosecution of offenders of the Federal Government ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria.

Malami directed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) at the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to swing into action and commence in earnest the process of prosecution of violators of the Federal Government De-activation of opetations of Twitter in Nigeria.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu
(Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice), Malami directed the DPPF to liase with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, National Communication Communication (NCC) and other relevant government agencies to ensure the speedy prosecution of offenders without any further delay.

The AGF’s order is to enforce the government’s decision to clamp down on those bypassing the Twitter ban.

The ban has attracted global and local condemnation as an attack on Nigerians’ civic rights, including rights to freedom of expression.

On Friday, the Nigerian government through the information minister, Lai Mohammed, had announced an “indefinite suspension” of Twitter operation in the country.

This came two days after Twitter took down a controversial tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari which the microblogging site viewed as a veiled threat of violence against the Igbo ethnic group.

‘Provocative, obnoxious and unjustifiable’ – Reps minority caucus condems #twitterban

NewsWireNGR
-
0
‘Provocative, obnoxious and unjustifiable’ – Reps minority caucus condems #twitterban

The minority caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned “in its entirety,” the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria by the Federal Government, describing it as a clear violation of freedom of speech and other democratic rights and tenets as provided by the 1999 constitution.

The caucus, in a statement issued on Saturday by Minority Leader of the House, Ndudi Elumelu, described the suspension as “provocative, obnoxious and unjustifiable.”

The statement partly read, “Our caucus rejects this thoughtless decision of the Federal Government, which amounts to a clampdown and a direct infringement on the rights of Nigerians to free speech as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It further shows the All Progressives Congress-led administration as one that is unwilling to listen to Nigerians but ready to use any means to suppress and subjugate its citizens.

“The minority caucus is disturbed that the suspension of Twitter in the country came after the social media platform deleted President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweets. Such response by the Federal Government has raised further concerns over the APC-led administration’s disturbing rating on issues of political intolerance, abuse of rights and violation of rules in our country.”

“The minority caucus cautions that the development is capable of leading to further restiveness among Nigerians and worsen the situation in the country.

“Moreover, this action of the Federal Government, coming at a time the National Assembly is conducting its public hearing towards the amendment of the constitution, may constitute a major setback capable of diminishing public confidence in the exercise as well as other processes genuine efforts by the legislature to strengthen democratic tenets in the country”

“The caucus, therefore, called on the President to immediately reverse the suspension placed on Twitter so as not to exacerbate the already tense situation in the country”.

‘Let Igbos have their independent nation away from the rest of Nigeria’ – Northern women tell Buhari

NewsWireNGR
-
0
‘Let Igbos have their independent nation away from the rest of Nigeria’ – Northern women tell Buhari

A joint group of of Northern Woman Associations in Nigeria has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to hold a referendum on the agitation for a Biafran state.


Speaking with journalists on Saturday at the Unity Fountain in Abuja before they embarked on the demonstration, Hadiza Adamu, coordinator of the coalition, said women in the north are at the receiving end because their husbands and brothers have been allegedly killed in the south-east.

Adamu said people should be allowed to belong to a country or leave, adding that their agitation should not end in war.

“We are the amalgamation of northern women from all parts of the north, north-central, north-west and north-east. We as mothers are always at the receiving end of any war, insurrection, killings, and acts of terror,” she said.

Advertisement
“It is for this reason that we come together today and say we don’t want another war, another insurrection.

“When our men were killed, we were raped and our children rendered orphans, we have nowhere to run to. Nigerian history has shown that women carry the heavy burden of war and acts of insurrections and terrorism.

“We have gone through it from 1967 to 1971, our men died and left us with the children to cater for out of nothing, other men that survived simply moved on, but we never moved on.


“INEC offices and other symbols of democracy in the country are being destroyed on a daily basis, our husbands that go to do business in the south-east no longer return home safe, our political leaders who travel to the south-east on national assignments are assassinated in broad daylight.

“It is in the light of the above that we are saying enough is enough and let Mr. President allow for a referendum that will make Igbos realise their long term dream of being a Biafra nation. No more killing of northerners, no more killing of police officers, no more profiling of northerners and attacking their businesses.

“Let Igbo have their independent nation away from the rest of Nigeria” she said.

1...1,7801,7811,782...4,398Page 1,781 of 4,398