Democracy under threat: Nigeria bans Twitter

Millions of Nigerians left unable to access Twitter as the government indefinitely suspends access.

In a concerning move to regulate free speech, the Nigerian government ordered for major phone providers across the country to block access to Twitter.

Some people have been able to find a way around the ban by using one of the limited number Wi-Fi networks in the country still allowing access to the site. However, Wi-Fi isn’t widely available in Nigeria.

A recent statement from the Nigerian Government said: “the persistent use of the platform for activities… capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

Twitter said Friday’s announcement from Information Minister Lai Mohammed was “deeply concerning”. The platform has since said it’s “investigating and will provide updates when we know more” about the Nigerian ban.

Government says they’s prosecute rule-breakers

The Attorney General’s spokesman said the country will prosecute people who attempt to circumvent the rule.

“Any violator, whether individuals or organizations, will be prosecuted,” he said.

“Every freedom has certain responsibilities — corresponding responsibility to the freedoms. No freedom is absolute. Those who are apprehended will get to know what sort of prosecution awaits them.”

This comes after the Buhari administration proposed legislation to regulate social media. In the past, Nigerian protesters used the platform to campaign against police brutality.

Twitter deletes Nigerian President’s Tweet

The move comes after Twitter removed one of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweets. The platform it removed the tweet for breaching the site’s rules.

Buhari criticised the social media giant’s decision to remove the Tweet, calling it “double standards.”

The tweet said “those misbehaving today” should be treated in “the language they will understand”.