The federal government has announced indefinite suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria.
The minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed made the announcement through a statement by the spokesperson to the minster, Segun Adeyemi on Friday.
According to the statement, there were persistent use of the platform for activities that were capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.
Mohammed said the federal government had also directed the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Twitter users who spoke with ASHENEWS lamented that government’s position was insensitive to the feelings of Nigerians.
According to Lawal Mohammed, “How can the federal government suspend a platform used by multitudes of Nigerians, some for a living.
“One wonders how a simple Twitter account suspension of a president should lead to creation of blackout for all Nigerians. I am not sure this is in the best interest of Nigerians and Nigeria.”
Also, Christopher Auta said, “I am not sure Lai Mohammed did this on the order of Mr President. What compensation would those using Twitter for lawful earning be paid for period of the suspension? This is an overreaction that is not justifiable considering other Nigerians that are using Twitter.”