The envoys of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the Republic of Ireland and the European Union in Nigeria, on Monday, restated their condemnation of the ban on Twitter by the Federal Government in spite of explanation by the minister of Foreign Affairs. Geoffrey Onyeama.
Recall that the minister invited the ambassadors to a meeting over their recent comments on the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria.
He seized the occasion to explain the rationale for the decision taken by the Federal Government.
However, the foreign envoys restated their position for free and open internet that ensures freedom of expression to citizens.
Mary Leonard, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, spoke to the media on behalf of her colleagues.
She said: “We have to be very clear that we are Nigeria’s strong partners on issues of security and we recognise the daunting task on the issues of security that confronts Nigeria.
“While they are daunting, they are not insurmountable, and part of the way you surmount them is with the partnership of the people you see represented here”.
Ms Leonard said the U.S. and other partners would continue to engage with Nigeria to uphold human rights and the rule of law.
She said while they recognised irresponsible social media use, they “remain firm in our position that free access to the ability to express self is very important and perhaps more important in troubled times.’’
Ms Leonard added that the incitement and violence referred to by the foreign minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, were crimes the Nigerian government has legitimate right to pursue through due judicial processes.
