The indefinite suspension of Twitter in Nigeria by the Federal Government has evoked reactions from Nigerian and international celebrities.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension of Twitter activities on Friday via an official statement on the micro-blogging site.
However, checks by our correspondent show that Twitter is still running in Nigeria at the time of filing this report as users still have access to the platform. However, the minister did not state when the ban would be enforced.
This suspension did not go down well with celebrities as they have taken to Twitter to react to the new development.
Nigeran singer, Banky W, wrote, “They can’t stop kidnapping, armed robbery and terrorism. The country is as unsafe as ever, yet they can seize passports and block bank accounts of peaceful protesters. They ban cryptocurrency, they ban Twitter. FG is completely out of touch with the plight of young people.”
American musician, Enisa wrote, “They trying to suspend Twitter in Nigeria. Oh no! you messing with the wrong people! Big wahala!! (sic)
Big Brother Naija star, Tacha asked, “Must we laugh about everything? This Twitter ban in Nigeria is not funny! Federal Government does not rate us! Because what is this? (sic)
Nigerian celebrities lament Twitter ban
“FG is using Twitter to announce the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria. I love this country,” another BBNaija star, Vee Iye tweeted sarcastically.
Sonorous singer, Praiz tweeted, “They suspended Twitter in Nigeria. Wahala for who no Dey UAR o.”
“The Federal Government of Nigeria should review this Twitter in Nigeria thing again,” said Nigerian actress and TV host, Nancy Isime.
Also, Nigerian cleric Johnson Suleman tweeted, “They are banning Twitter in Nigeria and they announced it on Twitter.”
A content creator and activist, Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni in a series of tweets, “There are a thousand and one problems we are facing in Nigeria and this isn’t even one! Misplaced priorities! Nigerian Government, stop this tyranny! Focus on serving the people or get out of office!
He continued, “General Buhari and APC used this same Twitter to criticize past administrations and campaign for elections… Now that the citizens are holding them accountable with the same platform, heat is catching them. They want to take away the people’s freedom to speak. Dictatorship 101.”
