* We’re delighted by the gesture, says miro-blogging platform
President Muhammadu Buhari has issued a directive for conditional reversal of twitter suspension in Nigeria.
Buhari, in his Independence Day speech, noted his directive will be implemented only if the micro-blogging platform meets conditions itemized by the Presidential Committee constituted to engage the platform.
“The Committee, along with its Technical Team, has engaged with Twitter and have addressed a number of key issues. These are: National Security and Cohesion; Registration, Physical presence and Representation; Fair Taxation; Dispute Resolution; and Local Content.
“Following the extensive engagements, the issues are being addressed and I have directed that the suspension be lifted but only if the conditions are met to allow our citizens continue the use of the platform for business and positive engagements,” he explained
The President lamented some social media users “have misused the platform to organise, coordinate, and execute criminal activities, propagate fake news, and promote ethnic and religious sentiments.”
He said it is to address “these negative trends, the Federal Government of Nigeria suspended the operations of Twitter in Nigeria on June 5, 2021 to allow the Government put measures in place to address these challenges.”
He expressed commitment to ensuring that digital companies use their platforms “to enhance the lives of our citizens, respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, cultural values and promote online safety.”
Meanwhile, Twitter says it looks forward to being reinstated following “productive” discussions with the government of Nigeria.
Their statement follows President Muhammadu Buhari’s announcement that the months-long ban on Twitter will be lifted, but only after certain conditions are met.
An unnamed Twitter spokesperson said on Friday shortly after the president’s broadcast: “We continue to engage with the Nigerian government and we are committed to charting a path forward to the restoration of Twitter for everyone in Nigeria.
“Discussions with the Nigerian government have been respectful and productive – we look forward to seeing the service restored very soon.”