The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Thursday to President Muhammadu Buhari-led government that restricting the use of social media has no place in a democracy.
Blinken stated this in a statement released through his spokesman, Ned Price, on Thursday.
In the statement titled, ‘Nigeria’s Twitter Suspension’, Blinken condemned the suspension of the micro-blogging site, Twitter, by the Buhari government.
The statement read, “The United States condemns the ongoing suspension of Twitter by the Nigerian government and subsequent threats to arrest and prosecute Nigerians who use Twitter. The United States is likewise concerned that the Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission ordered all television and radio broadcasters to cease using Twitter.
“Unduly restricting the ability of Nigerians to report, gather, and disseminate opinions and information has no place in a democracy. Freedom of expression and access to information both online and offline are foundational to prosperous and secure democratic societies.
“We support Nigeria as it works towards unity, peace, and prosperity. As its partner, we call on the government to respect its citizens’ right to freedom of expression by reversing this suspension.”
This article was originally published on Nigeria News
