Twitter Ban: We are dismayed at the direction our nation is headed – By Kadaria Ahmed

We note with dismay a statement by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), dated June 6, 2021, asking that:

All broadcast stations in Nigeria to suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately
Uninstall Twitter handles
Desist from using Twitter as a source of information gathering

The commission further warned that “it will be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter.”

We believe this amounts to attack on the media and freedom of speech both of which are guaranteed by the Constitution of Nigeria.

Section 29(1) guarantees freedom of expression as a fundamental right

Section 22 of Nigeria’s constitution guarantees press freedom by stating that the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall all the time be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.

We believe the notice by the NBC goes against these laws. Radio Now will under duress, comply with the directive of the commission while consulting with our lawyers on the legality of this directive. The advice we receive will determine our next steps.

It is important to state that we too are dismayed at the direction our beloved nation is headed but while we recognise the responsibility of the government to act where it sees a threat to the country, we believe such a decision must consider the implication of press freedom, our fragile democracy and the impact on livelihoods. Solutions that continue to give Nigerians the use of what has become a tool for freedom, that had democratised information particularly for minorities and the most vulnerable in society; while also fighting against hate speech are surely the way forward.

Radio Now is not convinced a ban on Twitter, and a directive by NBC, barring broadcasting stations from using the platform is the right way. We urge the government to go back and engage with experts many of whom abound in the country on how to fight hate speech, misinformation and disinformation while respecting and upholding rights that are fundamental in a democracy.