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.”
Politics
My wife being Redeemed Church pastor downplays religious crisis in Nigeria, Tinubu tells pope’s emissary
“My wife is a pastor at an evangelical church. This downplays the religious connotation that the religious controversy in our country might have taken,” said Mr Tinubu.
Opinion
Bola Tinubu’s presidency enters Kafka’s world
Appearance acquires greater authority than fact itself.
Politics
Abia, Anambra seek peaceful principles in boundary conflict resolutions
The governments of Anambra and Abia have vowed to apply principles of peaceful resolution to address the lingering interstate boundary disputes between them.
Abuja
Tinubu seeks stronger partnership with Rotary
Mr Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian government and Rotary International in healthcare, education, youth empowerment and community development.
Port Harcourt
Army honours 11 cadets killed in training accident
Army chief Waidi Shaibu, on Sunday, unveiled a cenotaph in honour of 11 Nigerian Defence Academy naval cadets who died in a boat accident during training in 1990.
Economy
Coastal state governors urged to adopt AU fisheries framework
Coastal state governors have been urged to domesticate the African Union Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
