Twitter, security threat to Nigeria: Lai Mohammed
Minister of Information Lai Mohammed has insisted that Twitter is a threat to Nigeria’s national security.
According to Mr Mohammed, the persistent use of Twitter in Nigeria undermines the country’s corporate existence, which threatens national security and sovereignty.
He reiterated his stance in a statement released on the official page of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture on Tuesday.
Mr Mohammed also insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari would not reverse the Twitter ban until the microblogging platform was licensed by NBC, alongside other social media platforms.
The minister explained, “When I released the statement on Friday the 4th of June, I was very unambiguous. I said the operation of Twitter is suspended indefinitely because the platform has consistently and persistently offered itself to promote activities which are inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria.
“I went further to say that Henceforth all OTT and other social media platforms in the country will have to register as Nigerian companies and then be licensed by the Broadcasting Commission. This is a global practice.”
Mr Mohammed added, “On the other hand, I went further to say that henceforth all OTT and other social media platforms must register in Nigeria because they make a lot of money from our country.
“They pay no taxes, and we believe it is only right. In other parts of the world, they register they pay taxes.”
The federal government’s Twitter ban is considered a means to repress freedom of expression and commercial opportunities in Nigeria but Mr Mohammed said, “any patriot should commend the moves of the FG in respect of these measures.”
He added, “I know people have come to say this move is to stiffen press freedom. I say No, there are very few countries in the world today that have freer media than we have in Nigeria. And that’s a fact.”
Mr Mohammed urged Nigerians “who want to express themselves” to use Facebook, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, and other applications.
“Really, this is about national security and sovereignty,” he said.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
![Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission[ Credit: Punch Newspaper]](https://gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/NUPRC-22.png)
NationWide
NUPRC seeks increased offshore-maritime integration for jobs, investment
Ms Eyisan said such investment would help Nigeria avoid imposing environmental and economic burdens on coastal communities.
World
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods take effect today
“I don’t want Canadian cars, I don’t want Canadian parts, I don’t want Canadian anything,” Mr Trump wrote on social media last month.
World
American LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr to pay UK users £26 million over privacy breach
The litigants in April 2024 sued Grindr at the High Court of Wales and England.
Education
Educationist advises parents not to limit children to specific career paths
“God did not create us to be restricted to a single path,” Mr Ogudoro said.
Heading 5
Thieves invade France’s Renoir Museum, steal multimillion-dollar artworks
The museum’s collection includes 13 Renoir paintings, several sculptures, furniture and photographs.
Heading 2
Bandits abduct Kaduna lawmaker’s brother, kill three vigilantes
Mr Audu commended the officials for their courage and dedication to duty.
