FG Meets Diplomats Over Twitter Suspension

Federal Government of Nigeria has met with some Diplomats in the country.

Gatekeepers News reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria has met some of the top envoys of various Diplomatic Missions in the country, over the Twitter suspension.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, hosted the envoys of Canada, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland at Abuja.

Following the indefinite suspension of Twitter in the country, Gatekeepers News reported that the U.S Mission in Nigeria condemned the decision, stating that it is a violation of Nigerians freedom of speech and the suspension sends a wrong message to investors.

Onyeama, after the meeting, said they had a fruitful deliberation and reviewed the situation, adding that the security concerns of President Muhammadu Buhari and the steps taken to address them were discussed.

The Minister who stated that the government acknowledges the roles social media plays both positively and negatively emphasized that the negative aspect has terrible outcomes and can also threaten the unity of the country.

He further explained that these concerns gave rise to the strong steps taken by the president to maintain the nation’s unity.

Onyeama, on the duration of the suspension, said it cannot be determined, for now, noting that the responsibility of the government in a democracy is to protect the law, order, and human lives.

The Minister, therefore, stressed the need for the envoys to support the country on the Twitter suspension, just as they help fix the security crisis.

The US Ambassador, Mary-beth Leonards on behalf of other envoys, said they want to see Nigeria succeed, and while the challenges could be formidable, they are surmountable.

Leonards reiterated that free access to social media, is important, adding that the envoys are happy that the government is in talks with the microblogging platform.

On Saturday, the diplomatic missions had expressed their disappointment at the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria.

The Envoys in a joint statement said,

“The diplomatic missions of Canada, the European Union (Delegation to Nigeria), the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America convey our disappointment over the Government of Nigeria’s announcement suspending #Twitter and proposing registration requirements for other social media.

“We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline.

“Banning systems of expression is not the answer. These measures inhibit access to information and commerce at precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication to accompany the concerted efforts of Nigeria’s citizens in fulsome dialogue toward unity, peace, and prosperity. As Nigeria’s partners, we stand ready to assist in achieving these goals.”