Charles Nwoke, Abuja, Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said Twitter must meet the Nigerian government’s five conditions before the ban of the social media platform will be lifted for use again in the country.
Buhari stated this during his nationwide broadcast on Friday to mark Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary celebration.
He outlined the conditions to include the fact that Twitter must pay attention to Nigeria national security and cohesion; registration, physical presence and representation in Nigeria; fair taxation; dispute resolution and local content.
He said, “As a country, we are committed to ensuring that digital companies use their platform to enhance the lives of our citizens, respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, cultural values and promote online safety.
“Following the extensive engagements, the issues are being addressed and I have directed that the suspension be lifted but only if the conditions are met to allow our citizens continue the use of the platform for business and positive engagements.”
The Nigerian Federal Government outlawed Twitter’s operations in the country on June 5 after the social media network deleted a controversial tweet by President Buhari.
The Twitter ban was condemned by many Nigerians, activists and the international community as a clampdown on democracy and freedom of information and expression.
However, due to the international community’s tepid follow up to their initial calls on the Nigerian government to back down on its clampdown on the platform, the government has since insisted on its resolve.
Considering the Twitter prohibition and physical protests often ending in forceful dispersal and shootings, the decision ultimately shrunk Nigerians’ access to justice and freedom to speak their mind.
Recall that we reported to you that the information minister, Lai Mohammed, recently said Twitter was already meeting a lot of the demands by the Nigerian government and the suspension wil soonl be lifted.