USAID Fires FG, Says Twitter Ban is a Denial of Free Speech

The administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, Samantha Powers, has stated that the Twitter ban was a state sanctioned denial of free speech.

In a statement on Wednesday, she revealed that Twitter has over 40 million users in Nigeria and asked for the reversal of the ban.

“There are nearly 40m Twitter users in #Nigeria, and the country is home to Africa’s largest tech hub.

“This suspension is nothing more than state-sanctioned denial of free speech and should be reversed immediately.”

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has also issued an earlier statement via its Facebook page pointing out that the ban was an encroachment on the Peoples right to Freedom.

“Nigeria’s constitution provides for freedom of expression. The Government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses.

“Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedoms. As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater. The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity.”