The continous suspension of Twitter by the Nigerian government is deeply worrisome, the United States consulate in Lagos has said.
The US Consul-General Claire Pierangelo disclosed this on Wednesday during the “Conversation on Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Civic Space in Nigeria” held in Lagos.
She said the government’s intention to introduce registration requirements for social media platforms, banning or restricting social media with threats of prosecution, undermines the human rights and fundamental freedom of Nigerians.
Pierangelo said “Nigerian government’s ongoing suspension of Twitter and stated intent to introduce registration requirements for other social media platforms is deeply worrisome,” she said.
“Banning or significantly restricting social media, including under threat of prosecution, undermines Nigerians’ human rights and fundamental freedoms. We are encouraged by the meetings between Twitter and the government technical committee last week aimed at resolving the suspension.”
She said journalists must be vigilant as they are the mouthpiece of the people.
“In view of these recent developments, you — reporters, editors, media executives, and civil society representatives — must remain vigilant to protect the right to freedom of expression and press freedom,” she said.
”To fulfill its highest civic purpose, the press must be both independent and unbiased. Without independence, a media outlet functions as a public relations mouthpiece for the government and other powerful interests,” she said.
