The government added that other social media platforms must also be registered in the country so that Nigeria could generate revenue from the operations.
Nigeria’s Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said that Twitter reached out formally to the government to resolve the issues that caused the country’s suspension. He said he got the message from Twitter on June 9.
Read: Trump congratulates Nigeria for banning Twitter, regrets not taking action
However, Lai Mohammed said the social media platform was suspended because it had become an avenue for unpatriotic elements that want to destroy the corporate existence of Nigeria.
He added that the owner of Twitter helped to fund the recent protests against Nigerian police under the #EndSARS campaign.
Mohammed added that Twitter also allowed the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently hiding in the UK, to use the platform to call for the killing of security agents and destruction of public facilities.
He argued that Twitter did not take down Kanu’s tweets despite repeated requests to do so.
“Our decision to suspend Twitter has been lauded by some; it has been decried by some. But let me make it clear that what’s important to us is the sovereignty of Nigeria and until when Twitter is paused.”
“And the cardinal thing is that Twitter must be registered in Nigeria, Twitter must be licenced in Nigeria, and Twitter must stop using its platform for activities that are inimical to the growth of Nigeria or its corporate existence.”
The Minister denied accusations that by suspending the operation of Twitter, freedom of speech has been curtailed. He said Nigerians are still allowed to use other social media platforms.Nigeria wants Twitter and other social media platforms registered in the country
The Nigerian government has decided not to hold any dialogue with Twitter until it is registered in the country as a business entity.
The government added that other social media platforms must also be registered in the country so that Nigeria could generate revenue from the operations.
Nigeria’s Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said that Twitter reached out formally to the government to resolve the issues that caused the country’s suspension. He said he got the message from Twitter.
Buhari’s tweet
Twitter deleted a tweet in which President Muhammadu Buhari cautioned those trying to pull Nigeria down.
Also: Twitter Ban: Report says Nigeria and China working on internet firewall
The tweet read, “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.”
Few days after the tweet was pulled down, Twitter operations were suspended in Nigeria. Many believe the suspension was due to Twitter’s action.
