The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that its closely monitoring the evolving developments in change of ownership of the Giant Social Media Platform, Twitter.
Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who disclosed this at the 3rd Edition of the “PMB Administration Scorecard 2015-2023” Series in Abuja on Thursday.
Recalled that the social media platform, Twitter was bought recently by one of the world billionaire, Elon Musk putting his stamp on the platform which he got for $44 billion.
Meanwhile, the Minister said question is being asked that what will become of the Federal Govt’s agreement with Twitter in view of the change in its ownership.
According to him, “Many have asked for our reaction following reports that there has been a spike in fake news, disinformation and hate speech since the micro-blogging site changed ownership. Many have even asked us if another ban is in the offing”.
Alhaji Mohammed replied that the platform is being closely monitored of its evolving developments, adding that it has never been Federal Govt’s intention to ban any social media platform or stifle free speech. “Not at all.
“What happened in the case of Twitter is well known to all. Twitter became a platform of choice for those who want to destabilize Nigeria, using fake news, disinformation and hate speech.
“No nation will allow any social media platform to plunge it into anarchy. Definitely not Nigeria. But we have continued to engage positively with the different social media platforms, including Facebook, Google (owners of YouTube) and Twitter”.
The Minister reiterated that Federal Government have no intention of banning any social media platform again. “But we will also not sit by and allow any platform whatsoever to throw our nation into crisis”, he said.