By OMON OKHUEVBIE

The United States Consul General in Nigeria, Claire Pierangelo, has described the suspension of the microblogging app, Twitter, in Nigeria as a worrisome issue and a threat to the human rights of Nigerians.

Pierangelo revealed this in an event tagged, ‘A conversation on press freedom, freedom of expression and civic space in Nigeria’, stating that democracy is categorised by freedom of the press.

“Banning or significantly restricting social media, including under threat of prosecution, undermines Nigerians’ human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“Nigerian government’s ongoing suspension of Twitter and stated intent to introduce registration requirements for other social media platforms are deeply worrisome.”

She further made a reference to the US democratic system of government, saying, “The Biden-Harris administration is committed to putting human rights at the heart of our foreign policy, and that includes press freedom and freedom of expression.”

Recall that the Federal Government had on June 4 announced the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria.

Telecommunication companies also blocked access to Twitter on June 5, after they received a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission to block access to Twitter. (Daily Independent)

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