Why we banned Twitter – Buhari govt finally opens up

The Federal Government has revealed the reason for its banning of microblogging site Twitter.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, in an interview with BBC News Africa, explained that some Nigerians were using the platform for activities that threaten the unity and existence of Nigeria, hence the ban.

IDOMA VOICE reported that the Muhammudu Buhari-led Nigerian government on Friday suspended Twitter definitely in the country after the app deleted a comment by President Buhari for violating its policy. Many Nigerians believed the ban was because of the removal of the president’s “genocidal” tweet from app.

But reacting, Mohammed said Twitter is being to destabilize Nigeria.
He particularly mentioned that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, uses Twitter to direct members of IPOB to attack policemen, soldiers, correctional centres and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Lai Mohammed said, “IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in particular, his platform of choice to destabilise the country is Twitter.

“Twitter is actually the platform of choice for the separatist leader who resides outside Nigeria but issues directives for his members to attack the symbols of authority such as policemen, soldiers, correctional centres, electoral offices.

“This has been done willfully and consistently without consequences using always the Twitter platform.”