Twitter Suspension: Ned Nwoko Says Social Media Should Be Regulated

Billionaire businessman Ned Nwoko has shown his support for the recent suspension of Twitter by the federal government, calling for the control and regulation of social media in Nigeria.

Nwoko made the remarks while speaking at a June 12 lecture organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Council.

He said, "On the current issue with Twitter in Nigeria, I wholeheartedly support the position of the Federal Government. There should be a measure of control and regulation for social media in countries where they have a presence.”

Stating his reason for supporting the suspension of the micro-blogging platform in the country, Nwoko emphasized that social media platforms must pay taxes to governments and provide employment for Nigerians as more than 100 million subscribers use their services.

A lot of prominent Nigerians have condemned the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, with many saying that it is an obvious disregard for the right to freedom of expression by citizens.

During President Muhammadu Buhari's recent interview with Arise TV, he had been asked when the suspension would be lifted and he had simply answered that he would keep that to himself.

On his part, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, said that his intent was not to prosecute Nigerians still tweeting after the suspension of the social media platform in the country, but to apprehend those attempting to aid the micro-blogging site circumvent the ban.