Twitter ban necessary for National security

The Federal Government on Monday justified its ban on Twitter, saying the social media giant constituted a threat to peace and the security of the nation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama explained that the action was in the interest of national security and peace.

The outrage against the suspension heightened as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada called for a retracing of step.

On Monday, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) ordered broadcat stations to suspend Twitter patronage.

It was also learnt that the government and the social media giant are already talking.

Besides the Western countries, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Redeemed Church Christian Church of God (RCCG) General Overseer pastor Enoch Adeboye and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) reacted to the government action.

Expressing concern over the ban, the ambassadors of U.S., UK, Canada, European Union and Ireland said the government action violated the freedom of information and communication.

Onyeama, who spoke at the end of a meeting with the ambassadors and representatives in Abuja, solicitated their understanding for the decision.

He told reporters that President Muhammadu Buhari was keen on ensuring the peace and security of Nigerians and Nigeria.

The minister stressed that government’s major objective was to advocate a responsible use of social media platforms that would not destabilise the peace and unity of the country.

Onyeama said: “We had very useful discussions and we just restated the security concerns of Mr President and of all Nigerians and the very strong steps that needed to be taken to address security challenges in the country.”