The mandate, which the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) released on Monday, commanded all of Nigeria’s broadcasting stations to suspend their use of Twitter. This included TV and radio platforms across the country.
What We Know:
- In a statement, the NBC announced broadcasting stations can no longer use the platform as a source of “information gathering for news and programmes presentation especially phone-in.”
- Alongside Monday’s directive, the government ordered NBC to “immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria.” They also reported the government will consider any broadcaster who still uses Twitter as a news source unpatriotic. The declaration referenced 5.6.3 of the NBC Act to Twitter’s role in the nation. The code “requires broadcasters to be mindful of materials that may cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society in the use of a user-generated content (UGC).”
- The news comes days after Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweet about punishing secessionists in the southeastern part of the country. In addition, the Nigerian government cited the social media site’s so-called attempts to “undermine its corporate existence” as a reason for the suspension.
- Nigeria banned its citizens from using the app on Saturday. However, Nigerians found a loophole to Twitter’s dismissal; people began utilizing VPNs and alternative platforms that bypass the domain restrictions.
- When the Nigerian government discovered that many disregarded their orders, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, issued a decree via his spokesperson.
“Malami directed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) at the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to swing into action and commence in earnest the process of prosecution of violators of the Federal Government De-activation of operations of Twitter in Nigeria,” the statement declared.
- The country has not begun arresting people yet.
- Other countries expressed criticism of the Nigerian government’s behavior. During the weekend, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada published a joint statement in which they announced their disappointment. They stated the Buhari-led administration violated both censorship and human rights and asked that the executives reconsider their stances.
Nigerian officials currently do not hold a specific determination as to how long the ban will last. On Sunday, Buhari’s spokesperson notified citizens that leaders only imposed the Twitter ban to reduce misinformation and fake news. However, on Monday, the government proceeded to extend the orders to the media. Black News Alert will report more information on this situation as soon as it is released.
