Twitter Suspension: UK, US, EU, Others Insist FG Has Violated Freedom Of Expression

The envoys of the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union among others in Nigeria have insisted that the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria is a violation of human rights of freedom of expression.

The diplomats met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Abuja on Monday, they called on the government to protect freedom of expression.

Mary-Beth Leonards, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, and spoke on behalf of other envoys said they were delighted to see Nigeria succeed, adding that all challenges have solutions.

“We are here as partners who want to see Nigeria succeed. We want to see this place unified, peaceful and prosperous and that’s how all of our activities are arranged. I think we have to be very clear that we are Nigeria’s strong partners on issues of security and we recognize the daunting times and the array of security challenges that confront Nigeria.

“While they are daunting, they are not insurmountable and part of the way to surmount them is through a partnership of the people you see represented here,” Leonards said.

“Not only in physical security but in terms of expanding opportunities and promoting mediation and dialogue; this is all very important and we look forward to continuing that partnership and continuing our conversation around important issues like media freedom.

“We reaffirm our position that free access to the ability to express oneself is actually very important and perhaps more important in troubled times.”

On its part, the Federal Government said Twitter operations in Nigeria would be restored if the platform would be used responsibly by the citizens.

The government admitted that it was its responsibility to protect the law, order, and human lives but made it clear that there was no definite time for lifting the suspension.

“The condition would be a responsible use of social media and that really has to be it.”

“We are not saying that Twitter is threatening the country or any such thing; why we have taken this measure is to stop them from being used as platforms for destabilization and facilitation of criminality or encouragement of criminalities,” Onyeama stated.