A Coalition of civil right group, comprising of Enough is Enough (EIE) Paradigm Initiative, (PIN) and Citizens Gavel have filed a suit for fundamental rights against the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission and the Federal Republic of Nigeria over suspension of twitter in Nigeria.
Khadijah El-Usman, Program Officer, Anglophone-West Africa, Paradigm Initiative, disclosed this in a statement made available to Ravenewsonline.com on Friday.
According to him, “Following the suspension of twitter in Nigeria in June 2021. It was evident that the government did not have the sole responsibility of the disregard for human rights.
“A directive not rooted in Law cannot be a basis for the abuse of the human rights of millions of Nigerians.
“It is to this effect that EIE Nigeria as the sole applicant coordinating with other organizations including Paradigm Initiative and Media Rights Agenda, have instituted a class action suit against Telecommunications companies, MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile for an enforcement of fundamental rights.
“The suit calls for a declaration that the respondents blockage of twitter access was unlawful, unconstitutional and against the rights to freedom of expression and an injunction restraining all respondents from restraining blocking or interfering with Twitter and any other social media platform.
“These are all pursuant to rights assured by the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights.
Also the suit sought the following declarations
-That the 3rd Respondent’s suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria constitutes a violation of the freedom of expression of the Applicant provided in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
-That the 1st Respondent’s directive that entities that teach or help citizens to stay connected to Twitter using circumvention tools or otherwise be prosecuted violates Section 36 (8) and (12) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
-A PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents, their agents, privies and/or representatives from restricting access or taking any action that prevents access to Twitter in Nigeria.
-A PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents, their agents, privies and/or representatives from arresting, prosecuting, detaining or taking any legal action against entities and individuals that help citizens to stay connected to Twitter.
The matter has now been slated for hearing on Monday, 25th October 2021 for hearing
