Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
The Federal Government stated yesterday that there are no plans to ban any social media platform.
It also promised not to stifle free speech in any way, while also refusing to allow any platform to plunge the country into crisis.
The government stated that it was closely monitoring Twitter’s evolving developments following its ownership change.
Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, spoke on behalf of the government at a joint stewardship briefing in Abuja with Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.
“Please allow me to quickly address an issue that has elicited a lot of inquiries from the media in recent times,” the minister said, stating that what happened in the case of Twitter was well-known.
“Many of your colleagues have called to inquire about the status of our agreement with Twitter in light of the change in ownership.”
“Many have contacted us in response to reports that there has been an increase in fake news, disinformation, and hate speech since the microblogging site changed ownership.” Many people have even asked if another ban is on the way.
“Let me say this: We are closely monitoring Twitter’s evolving developments.” We have never intended to ban any social media platform or to stifle free speech. Absolutely not.
“Everyone is aware of what occurred in the case of Twitter. Twitter has become a preferred platform for those seeking to destabilize Nigeria through the use of fake news, disinformation, and hate speech.
“No nation will allow any social media platform to destabilize it.” Certainly not Nigeria. However, we have maintained a positive engagement with the various social media platforms, including Facebook, Google (owners of YouTube), and Twitter.
“We have no plans to ban any social media platform again.” But we will not stand by and allow any platform to plunge our country into crisis.”
