EU, UK, US disappointed in Twitter ban in Nigeria …….issues joint statement to condemn ban
By Dayo Badmus,
The Diplomatic Missions Canada, the European Union, The Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and United States have issued a joint statement on the ban of Twitter operations in Nigeria.
The statement, which was uploaded on the official website of the US Mission is prefaced by the following:
“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.
The statement reads:
“The diplomatic missions of Canada, the European Union (Delegation to Nigeria), the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America convey our disappointment over 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 path to a more secure Nigeria lies 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.”
