BY: News Peddlers
President Muhammadu Buhari's regime is wary of Twitter following Tesla CEO Elon Musk's recent takeover, according to information minister Lai Mohammed, who says the regime is closely monitoring the microblogging platform to prevent it from destabilizing Nigeria.
Mr Mohammed stated that the Buhari administration would not allow Twitter or other social media platforms to destabilize Nigeria. He made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja, during the third edition of the 'President Muhammadu Buhari's Administration (PMB) Scorecard 2015-2023' program.
"Many people have even asked if another ban is on the way. Let me state unequivocally: we are closely monitoring Twitter's evolving developments. It was never our intention to ban any social media platform or to stifle free speech, according to the information minister. "Certainly not. But we will not stand by and allow any platform to plunge our country into crisis."
Mr Mohammed stated that the warning to social media platforms was necessary due to an increase in fake news and disinformation following the ownership change of a microblogging site.
"Please allow me to address an issue that has recently sparked a lot of media interest. Many of your colleagues have called to inquire about the status of our agreement with Twitter in light of the change in ownership," the minister said. "Many have contacted us in response to reports that there has been an increase in fake news, disinformation, and hate speech since the microblogging site changed ownership."
The minister recalled how the Buhari administration banned Twitter in the country in June of last year. The regime lifted the ban on Twitter in January of this year after the social media platform agreed, among other things, to regulate its posts, pay an applicable tax, and establish a legal entity within the country.
"Everyone is aware of what occurred in the case of Twitter. Twitter has become a preferred platform for those seeking to destabilize Nigeria through fake news, disinformation, and hate speech," Mr Mohammed insisted. "No nation will allow any social media platform to destabilize it. Certainly not Nigeria."
He did, however, say that "we have continued to engage positively with the various social media platforms," such as Facebook, Google (owners of YouTube), and Twitter.
"We have no plans to ban any social media platform again," Mr Mohammed stated emphatically.
NAN