The United State of America has condemned the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari had on Friday, announced the suspension of Twitter, saying the platform was persistently used for activities that could undermine the corporate existence of Nigeria.
The U.S Mission in Nigeria in a statement released on Saturday said Nigeria’s constitution provides for freedom of expression, adding that the ban will not only affect the citizens but also sends poor messages to investors.
“The Government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses.”
The U.S also said that banning social media and curbing the citizens’ ability to seek and receive information undermines fundamental freedom.
“As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.”
The US government said it is more communication and concerted efforts to forge unity, peace, and prosperity that could make Nigeria more secured.
The United Kingdom and Canada had earlier expressed concerns over the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has explained that he banned Twitter not only because the tech company removed his tweet, but also for spreading fake news.
“The temporary suspension of Twitter is not just a response to the removal of the President’s post.
“There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real-world violent consequences,” Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity said on Saturday evening.
