The United States on Thursday condemned the Nigerian government for suspending Twitter and threatening to prosecute persons still using the social networking platform.
In statement from the US Secretary of State, signed by spokesperson Ned Price, the United States government called for Nigeria to reverse its decision.
“The United States condemns the ongoing suspension of Twitter by the Nigerian government and subsequent threats to arrest and prosecute Nigerians who use Twitter,” U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension of Twitter last week after the social media giant removed a tweet from President Muhammadu Buhari that threatened to punish secessionists.
Price added that US was concerned that the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC ordered Television and radio stations to stop using Twitter.
Read the full statement below;
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.
