The United States of America has warned the Nigeria Government that its unnecessary suspension of Twitter has no place in democracy and undermines the partnership between both countries.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the U.S. State Department spokesman, Ned Price, on Thursday night who condemns the ongoing suspension announced last Friday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
Price also berated the Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission for ordering the country’s media to cease using Twitter to spite the platform because it deleted the tweet of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on the basis of its privacy violation.
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The US, however, noted that it continues to support Nigeria’s work towards achieving unity, peace and prosperity and urged the government to respect the rights of Nigerians by lifting the ban on Twitter.
“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.
“For 60 years, the United States has been proud to partner with Nigeria on a broad array of issues & objectives, with the cornerstone of this relationship being premised on the vibrancy of democracy – a principle embraced by our two nations.
“Unduly restricting the ability of Nigerians to report, gather, and disseminate opinions and information has no place in a democracy and it undermines our partnership. Freedom of expression and access to information both online and offline are foundational to prosperous and secure democratic societies.
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“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,” Price said.
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