US, UK, EU, Canada, Norway, Ireland others express disappointment over FG’s ban on Twitter

The United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), the Canadian Government and the Republic of Ireland, have expressed disappointment over the ban on Twitter’s operations in Nigeria.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the diplomatic missions of Canada, the Delegation of European Union to Nigeria, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, conveyed their disappointment over the Government of Nigeria’s announcement suspending Twitter and proposing registration requirements for other social media.

“We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline.

Banning systems of expression is not the answer. These measures inhibit access to information and commerce at precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement read.

The US, UK, EU, Norway, the Canadian Government and the Republic of Ireland further said the path to a more secured Nigeria lied in more, not less, communication to accompany the concerted efforts of Nigeria’s citizens in fulsome dialogue toward unity, peace and prosperity.

“As Nigeria’s partners, we stand ready to assist in achieving these goals,” the statement further read.