Members of the House of Representatives on Thursday, July 1, rejected the lifting of the suspension placed on Twitter’s operation in the country.
This came after the House Committees on Information, ICT, Intelligence, Justice and Orientation were directed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspension of Twitter by the Nigerian government.
However while the committees’ reports were being considered, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Toby Okechukwu suggested an amendment to one of the recommendations.
The recommendation read;
“That the Federal Government should take into cognizance the negative effect of the Twitter suspension on Nigerians who depend on the platform for their livelihood.”
The motion was rejected by the majority of the House when put to vote, after being seconded by another lawmaker.
1 Comment
It is good now that our representatives are reasoning critically for the safety of our nation. For voting against the lift shows that we are now ready in Nigeria to secure the nation over the interest of some Nigerians.
It is reasonable that Nigerian’s ivelihood can only be secured when the nation is secured. Twitter has never promoted security of our dear country considering its activities. For this reason, retaining the suspension is better until Nigerians get sense of belonging and security again.
This is a painful truth. Even though we are affected by its ban, it is better we experience nationwide security rather than temporary personal peace and security which can be shortlived by consequential insecurity and violence if the social media activities are unchecked and/or not censored.