By Promise Eze
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has revealed that Nigeria is closely monitoring the recent developments on Twitter after Elon Musk, the world richest man, took over the social media platform.
The minister made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja.
Lai Mohammed bemoaned the spike in fake news since Elon Musk took the reins at Twitter.
He warned that no social media platform would be allowed to plunge Nigeria into crisis.
“Permit me to quickly address an issue that has elicited a lot of inquiries from the media in recent times.
“Many of your colleagues have called to ask us what will become of our agreement with Twitter in view of the change in its ownership.
“Many have asked for our reaction following reports that there has been a spike in fake news, disinformation, and hate speech since the micro-blogging site changed ownership.
“Many have even asked us if another ban is in the offing.
” Let me say this: We are closely monitoring the evolving developments at Twitter.
“It has never been our intention to ban any social media platform or stifle free speech. Not at all.
“But we will also not sit by and allow any platform whatsoever to throw our nation into crisis,” he said.
The minister recalled how the Federal Government in June last year suspended the activities of Twitter in the country for allegedly allowing its platform to be used by those who wanted to destabilize the country.
The suspension was, however, lifted in January this year after Twitter agreed to regulate its posts, pay an applicable tax and establish a legal entity within the country among other conditions.
