US cautions FG, says Twitter suspension ‘sends poor message to investors’

The United States mission in Nigeria has cautioned the federal government on the recent suspension placed on the operations of Twitter.

On Friday, Lai Mohammed, minister of information, announced that Twitter’s operations in Nigeria are suspended indefinitely, adding that the social networking service promotes activities that “undermine Nigeria’s corporate existence”.

Telecommunications companies have complied with the directive, and have blocked access to Twitter in the country.

Reacting to the suspension in a statement on Saturday, the US said such suspension undermines citizens’ fundamental freedoms and will have negative impact on the country’s investment opportunities.

“Nigeria’s constitution provides for freedom of expression. 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 statement reads.

“Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedoms. As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.

“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity.”