American microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, has expressed “deep concern” over the federal government’s decision to suspend its operations in Nigeria.
Twitter’s Senior Policy Communications Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Sarah Hart, stated this in an email response sent to The Cable. The mail reads:
“The announcement made by the Nigerian Government that they have suspended Twitter’s operations in Nigeria is deeply concerning.
“We’re investigating and will provide updates when we know more,” Hart was quoted as saying.
Despite the government’s claim that Twitter is being used to undermine the existence of Nigeria, some have argued the suspension may be connected to the company’s decision to delete President Muhammadu Buhari tweet recently.
Writing via his Twitter handle on Tuesday, the president had condemned the attacks on government facilities in the country and threatened to treat those responsible in “a language they understand”
“Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand,” he had said.
The tweet was deleted for “violating” Twitter rules, prompting criticism from the government.
Mohammed had also questioned Twitter’s mission in Nigeria, saying the organisation’s style of operation makes it suspect.
“The mission of Twitter in Nigeria is very very suspect,” he had said.
“Has Twitter deleted the violent tweets that Nnamdi Kanu has been sending? The same Twitter, during the #ENDSARS protests, that was funding #ENDSARS protesters.
“We are not going to be fooled by anybody. We have a country to rule and we will do so to the best of our ability. Twitter’s mission in Nigeria citing those two examples is very suspect. What is their agenda?
