Breaking: House of Reps Move to Investigate FG's Twitter Ban, Summons Lai Mohammed
- Nigerian lawmakers are taking steps to determine if the suspension of Twitter's operation in Nigeria followed due process
- Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture has also been summoned by the green chamber over the ban
- The federal government has come under heavy criticism from Nigerians and the international community following its decision to ban Twitter
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FCT, Abuja - Following the federal government's decision to ban the operations of Twitter in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has decided to investigate the process that led to the suspension of the platform.
The Nation reports that Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker made the announcement during the resumption of the plenary session after a two-week break on Tuesday, June 8.
Source: Facebook
According to the lower legislative chamber, it will also consider the legal frameworks upon which the Nigerian government banned the social networking service to ensure whether it followed due process.
The House of Reps has also summoned the minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to appear before it over the controversial suspension, Premium Times reports.
Mohammed is to appear before a joint committee on justice, commerce, and information to brief the green chamber on the decision.
Gbajabiamila addressing his colleagues mandated the committees on communication, justice, information, and culture, as well as national security and intelligence to commence an investigation into the suspension.
The committees were ordered to submit a report within 10 days to enable the House to take an informed decision on the ban.
While noting that Twitter has been an important means of communication and business for the younger generation, Gbajabiamila said the government has a responsibility to ensure it is not used to undermine national security.
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Foreign envoys criticise the ban of Twitter
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.
The envoys said the suspension of Twitter is a violation of the fundamental human right of freedom of expression.
Speaking further, they 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
