The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has described the suspension of the micro blogging and social networking service, Twitter, as undemocratic.
The Council noted that for democracy to be sustained, it must be backed up with freedom of expression and a viable media.
Section 39 of the amended 1999 Constitution states that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including the freedom to hold opinions and receive and impart ideas and information.
The suspension did not fulfil Nigeria’s international obligations under African Charter on human and people’s rights.
The NUJ Lagos Council was, therefore, baffled that the Federal Government could carry out the suspension without having a second thought of the grave implications of the anti-democratic action.
It is advisable that the Federal Government should rescind its decision by considering the huge number of jobs sustained by Twitter in the country.
Twitter serves as a medium of free expression of opinions and ideas and also gives a strong voice to both the youth and the masses.
The suspension would also erode enormous revenue from the financial circle as many people depend on the social media (Twitter) for their livelihood.
Other amicable options should be explored by the Federal Government to resolve the misunderstanding with the management of the social media.
The Federal Government suspended Twitter activities two days after the social media giant removed a post from President Muhammadu Buhari that threatened to punish intending regional secessionists.
Twitter consequently deleted President Buhari’s tweet for violating its rules.
Adeleye Ajayi
Chairman, NUJ Lagos Council
Tunde Olalere
Secretary, NUJ Lagos Council
