Buhari regime can’t ban Nigerians from Twitter: Sweden

Safeguarding free, independent media and civic spaces for democratic voices is an important part of Sweden’s #DriveForDemocracy.”

MARIAM ILEYEMI • June 4, 2021

Prime Minister of Sweden is Stefan Löfven

Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven [Photo credit: Time Magazine]

The embassy of Sweden in Nigeria has condemned the move by the Buhari administration to suspend Twitter indefinitely in Nigeria.

The embassy took to Twitter on Friday evening to express its displeasure, describing the move as unconstitutional as it will disrespect Nigerians’ freedom of expression and access to information.

“Nigerians have a constitutional right to exercise their freedom of expression and a right to access of information. This must be respected. Safeguarding free, independent media and civic spaces for democratic voices is an important part of Sweden’s #DriveForDemocracy,” the embassy tweeted.

This is coming after the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension of twitter in a statement signed by his media aide Segun Adeyemi.

The statement cited the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.

Mr Mohammed also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria.

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