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
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
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.”
States
Lagosians face blackout as Ikeja Electric blames low allocation by national grid
Ikeja Electric appreciated customers for their understanding and assured that efforts are ongoing to restore power.
Education
10,000 Borno pupils get free educational materials
Mr Ibrahim said the materials had been distributed by the state government to the pupils across primary and junior secondary schools.
States
Ogun NMA proposes 10-point healthcare agenda for incoming govt
The NMA chairman urged the incoming administration to implement a comprehensive policy to address staffing shortages and remuneration.
NationWide
NITDA, NACCIMA partner to boost startup investment
Both organisations are also collaborating to increase commercial opportunities for Nigerian startups and enterprises.
Politics
ADC candidate urges political tolerance as campaign banners destroyed in Lagos
Mr Oyefusi said a witness alleged that the banners were removed by individuals suspected to be APC members.
Education
Stakeholders seek stronger collaboration to improve pupils’ literacy skills
The stakeholders stressed the need for early intervention and a collaborative approach to help children overcome learning difficulties.
