FG Suspends Twitter ‘Indefinitely’, Nigerian Reacts

The Nigerian government suspended all Twitter operations in the country on Friday.

Nigeria said on Friday it had indefinitely suspended Twitter's activities, two days after the social media giant removed a post from President Muhammadu Buhari that threatened to punish regional secessionists.

Information Minister Lai Mohammed said the government had acted because of "the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence."

Mohammed did not spell out what form the suspension would take or give more details on the undermining activities. His ministry also announced Twitter's suspension on Twitter.

When asked about the details of the suspension, a ministerial aide told Reuters: "Wait and see how things will turn out."

Twitter is investigating its "deeply concerning" suspension of operations by the Nigerian government, and "will provide updates when we know more," the company said in a statement.

Twitter's website and app continued to work in Nigeria's capital Abuja and commercial hub Lagos on Friday.

On Wednesday, the U.S. tech firm said Buhari's post threatening to punish groups blamed for attacks on government buildings had violated Twitter's "abusive behavior" policy.

In April, the information minister reacted angrily when Twitter chose neighboring Ghana for its first African office. He said the company had been influenced by media misrepresentations of Nigeria, including reports of crackdowns on protests last year.

Demonstrators calling for police reform had used social media to organize, raise money and share alleged proof of police harassment. Twitter's chief executive, Jack Dorsey, tweeted to encourage his followers to donate.

In the protests' wake, Mohammed called for "some form of regulation" on social media to combat "fake news."

There is outrage and anger in Nigeria following the Federal Government’s suspension of Twitter indefinitely in Nigeria.

Nigerians have taken to Twitter to condemn government’s move, which many described as madness and obnoxious.

Twitter had come into the crosshairs of the Buhari government after its police deleted two tweets and a video, in which President Buhari threatened to invoke civil war treatment to arsonists, separatists and insurrectionists destroying public assets.

Reacting to the development on Friday, Nigerians expressed shock that this could happen in this era and century.

According to Adetutu Balogun, “FG announces suspension of Twitter in Nigeria via Twitter… awon werey.”

Danny Walter said “The problem with this News of Federal Government banning Twitter in Nigeria is that they’ve given these Police Men another Avenue for extortion. “Park” “Open your Phone” “Oh you dey use Twitter, enter Van criminal.”

According to JP, “Guess which app Federal Government uses to announce the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria.”

Nappy Blaze said “They sent the military to protesters and we trended #EndSARS. The President made a genocide tweet and twitter deleted it. The Government got angry and went to suspend Twitter in Nigeria and we are already downloading VPNs. Una too stubborn ffs.”

According to Kabiyesi, The King, “Crashing economy, Kidnappings, Banditry and killings everywhere but your priority is to ban Twitter in Nigeria ?? We’re ruled by absolutely terrible people.”

Somto Onuchukwu added: “The coward Gen. Buhari has gone from turning off his comment section to banning twitter in Nigeria. This is not time for bants, we should occupy Nigeria on #June12Protest #OccupyNigeria2 #BuhariMustGo.”

Nielda said “The federal government intention to suspend Twitter in Nigeria is a clear view of how cranky they think. If they take such action in fighting insecurity in the country, Nigeria will be a better place.”

Ugochukwu Ugwoke tweeted: “The swiftness of President Buhari in banning Twitter in Nigeria is another evident proof that his government does not care about Nigeria & Nigerians. This is the same man who has done little or nothing to address the insecurity problems in Nigeria. Our lives mean nothing to him.”

Mohnice stated: “Twitter suspended Donald Trump, and USA did not suspend Twitter Small tweet delete, Buhari ban twitter in Nigeria! We are now Left with crowwe or VPNs. Dunno but, Why is Nigeria like this, who is behind this mess fgs.”

VIP Vendor added: “When twitter deleted President Trump’s account US didn’t suspend twitter. Ordinary deleted post our daddy’s at the top is suspending twitter in Nigeria.”

Farooq Kperogi stated: “Does Lai Mohammed know that there’s a little something called VPN that Nigerians can use to circumvent the Federal Government’s so-called ban on Twitter in Nigeria? These ignorant, prehistoric creatures in gov’t never cease to amaze with their insufferable boneheadedness.”

Nerfatiti, said “The FG may suspend the Constitution. So be readying to hit the streets. It’s a full-blown dictatorship. Now that Lai Mohammed’s Federal Government has directed the NBC to block access to Twitter in Nigeria, I’ll show you steps how you can download a “VPN,” & bypass.”

Former BBNaija star, Tacha lamented: “Parents were live on Arise TV today crying and the problem is Twitter in Nigeria??? Jesus take the wheel.”

According to Reno Omokri, “How can you announce your suspension of @Twitter on Twitter and expect to be taken seriously?

“Twitter brought @MBuhari to power. He can’t climb the ladder to the top then prevent others from using it. @Facebook also deleted his genocidal post. Will he also suspend Facebook?

“The suspension of the activities of @Twitter in Nigeria by the @MBuhari administration should be ignored by @Jack. The Buhari government has no means to effect the suspension, and even members of the administration are still on Twitter.”

June 04, 2021