The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has explained in French language that Twitter is not banned in Nigeria.
He said the social media giant was only suspended but has so far met nearly all the conditions for the lifting of the suspension by the Federal Government.
The Minister gave the update while fielding questions from stakeholders and participants at the Nigeria International Partnership Forum holding in Paris.
Mohammed stated that Twitter has met 10 out of 12 conditions given to it by the government but that discussions are still in progress (though advanced) and all issues are expected to be resolved soon.
In response to questions about Twitter activities in Nigeria, he denied in French that the operations of the bird app was was never banned, but only suspended because it deleted a tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to him, ”I want to categorically say that Twitter was not banned by Nigera, it was only suspended. So, Twitter was never banned, it was suspended.
“Also, the suspension has nothing to do with President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The correspondences between us and Twitter have reached advanced stage. I want to say that the correspondences and the exchanges have been fruitful.
“But we have a few more issues to resolve. Out of about 12 conditions, Twitter has been able to meet 10.
“Very soon, all issues will be resolved in a way that it will be good for both our country and Twitter.”
The microblogging website had its operations suspended in June 2021 in Nigeria on allegations that the platform was used to undermine the sovereignty and security of Nigeria.
However, President Buhari announced the conditional lifting of the ban in his Independence broadcast. He added that the resumption of activities will depend on whether all pending issues have been agreed upon.
An angry Femi Fani Kayode, had earlier on fumed at the Minister for always rushing to please his principal at the expense of the masses.
According to Femi Fani-Kayode@realFFK · If the short man doesn’t resign within 6 months they will soon be sending him to wash toilets. U came in on the same ticket, u sold your soul, u betrayed ur people, ur tribe, ur region and ur faith and you sucked ur boss’ rectum for 4 yrs!Look at what u got in return!Shame on u!
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