Twitter Ban: FG Takes Decision on Whether to Prosecute Pastor Adeboye for Violating Order
- Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s minister of information, has justified the ban imposed by the federal government on Twitter’s operations in Nigeria
- The minister argued that the microblogging site has become the communications tool of some secessionist groups
- The international community has faulted the government for restricting access to Twitter, saying such action violates freedom of speech
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FCT, Abuja - Nigeria's minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, has stated that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, has made it clear that anybody who violates the Twitter ban including, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, will be prosecuted.
Source: Facebook
Mohammed, however, explained that Malami has the prerogative to decide who to prosecute for violating the ban.
The minister gave the explanation in an interview with BBC Africa Focus on Monday, June 7, when asked if Adeboye will be prosecuted for using Twitter.
He said:
‘’Well, the Attorney General has made it clear that if anybody violates the regulation that such a person will be prosecuted and this is not about any particular person…I think it is the realm of the attorney-general to decide who or who not to prosecute.’’
The minister of information advocates for regulation of social media
Mohammed also denied that the claim that he was hiding under the excuse of stopping the activities of secessionists who are fomenting trouble to regulate social media.
He said it is true that he has always been an advocate of regulating social media because of the harmful effect of fake news, adding that he is still of the same view that social media must be responsible.
Nigerians faults FG’s attempts to
Meanwhile, two Nigerians who spoke with Legit.ng argued that it would be illegal for the attorney general to prosecute any citizen for defying the Twitter ban.
Egoh Chamberlain pointed out that it would be undemocratic to prosecute Nigerians who violate the Twitter ban because such action does not have the backing of the National Assembly.
He said:
''Can a man make a law in a democratic system? National Assembly is being ridiculed.''
Another commentator, Prince Hopewell Ukpai, described the Twitter ban as an indication that Nigeria is sliding into military rule.
He told Legit.ng that the actions against Twitter in Nigeria exemplifies tyranny.
Prince Ukpai said:
‘’I don't understand if this is democracy or demo_crazy. If he wants to return to the military rule or some worthless forms of tyranny, he should just declare it so we know our standing.’’
Foreign envoys criticise the ban of Twitter in Nigeria
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In another news, following the suspension of Twitter by the Nigerian government, the envoys of the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union in Nigeria among others, have expressed dismay over the action.
Channels TV reported that the envoys said the suspension of Twitter is a violation of the fundamental human right of freedom of expression.
The envoys urged the government to protect freedom of expression. The US ambassador to Nigeria, Mary-Beth Leonards, who spoke on behalf of others, said they were delighted to see Nigeria succeed, and that all challenges have solutions.
Source: Legit.ng
