Twitter Ban: NBC Directs Broadcast Stations to Deactivate Handles
- The federal government of Nigeria is not mincing words in its order against the use of Twitter in the country
- An order from the National Broadcasting Commission on Monday, June 7, has prohibited local stations from activating the app for use
- The commission warned broadcasters to avoid materials that will increase tension throughout the country
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Abuja - All the broadcast stations in Nigeria were on Monday, June 7, ordered to deactivate their Twitter handles by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Ekanem Antia, the NBC's head of public affairs, disclosed this in a statement sent to Daily Nigerian Monday in Abuja.
Source: Twitter
Nigerian Tribune, in its reports, quoted part of the statement:
“Consequent on the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government over the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission directs all Broadcasting Stations in Nigeria to suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately.
“In Compliance to the above directive, Broadcasting Stations are hereby advised to de-install Twitter handles and desist from using Twitter as a source (UGC) of information gathering for News and programmes Presentation especially Phone-in."
According to the commission, it is empowered by law to ensure strict adherence to national rules and regulations.
It added that stations are to ensure that law enforcement is upheld at all times in a way that avoids the breakdown of order.
Speaking on, the NBC noted that broadcasters should stay away from materials that may cause disaffection, undue panic, and divisive sentiments in the society.
On a final note, the statement said:
“Note that it will be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of its information therefore strict compliance is enjoined."
FG summons foreign diplomats in Nigeria over reactions to ban
Envoys of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union in Nigeria have been summoned by the federal government over their reactions to the recent ban on Twitter.
This decision was made known to journalists on Monday, June 7, by the Nigerian ministry of foreign affairs.
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A message signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa of the crisis monitoring and public communications division in the ministry said the minister, Geoffrey Onyeama had invited the affected ambassadors to a meeting today at 12 noon.
Source: Legit.ng
