Nigeria
Twitter-Ban: US, UK, EU Envoys Insist Nigeria Must Protect Freedom Of Expression
The envoys of the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union in Nigeria among others, have insisted that the Federal Government’s suspension of Twitter, is a violation of the fundamental human right of freedom of expression.
The envoys who met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Abuja on Monday, urged the government to protect freedom of expression.
US ambassador to Nigeria, Mary-Beth Leonards, who spoke on behalf of others said they were delighted to see Nigeria succeed, and that all challenges have solutions.
“We are here as partners who want to see Nigeria succeed. We want to see this place unified, peaceful and prosperous and that’s how all of our activities are arranged. I think we have to be very clear that we are Nigeria’s strong partners on issues of security and we recognise the daunting times and the array of security challenges that confront Nigeria.
“While they are daunting, they are not insurmountable and part of the way to surmount them is through partnership of the people you see represented here,” Leonards said.
“Not only in physical security but in terms of expanding opportunities and promoting mediation and dialogue; this is all very important and we look forward to continuing that partnership and continuing our conversation around important issues like media freedom.
“We re-affirm our position that free access to the ability to express oneself is actually very important and perhaps more important in troubled times.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government says it would restore Twitter operations in Nigeria if the platform would be used responsibly by the citizens.
While highlighting that the responsibility of the government is to protect law, order, and human lives, Onyeama made it clear that there is no definite time for lifting the ban.
Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama
“The condition would be a responsible use of the social media and that really has to be it.”
“We are not saying that Twitter is threatening the country or any such thing; why we have taken this measure is to stop them to be used as platforms for destabilization and facilitation of criminality or encouragement of criminalities,” Onyeama stated.
Culled from the Channels TV
- OPINION: What Has Quality Got to Do With Soludo’s Made-in-Anambra Brands - February 5, 2022
- Buhari Appoints Olatunji NDPB Pioneer National Commissioner - February 5, 2022
- Why ‘Side-chicks’ Remain in Business – Benin Residents - February 5, 2022
Militants, alongside relatives of victims of the infamous abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls that sparked global outrage in 2014, gathered in Lagos on Sunday, April 14, to renew calls for the release of the remaining girls in captivity.
The Sunday meeting was organized to mark the 10th anniversary of the abduction that affected 276 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.
“What I would ask the government is to find a way to work towards bringing back our sisters because I know it is only the government that can help us bring back these girls,” said Grace Dauda, a rescued Chibok schoolgirl.
Another rescued schoolgirl, Rebecca Malu, added, “They should stay safe. They should stay strong, one day, they will be released like us.”
While some girls managed to escape on their own, others have been freed over the years through intense campaigns by civil society organizations and government negotiations. But this human rights activist, Ayo Obe, is calling for more action from the authorities.
“We know that we started with missing persons numbering two hundred and fifty-six; it is already an improvement that we are down to 91. But of course, 91 is 91 lives unaccounted for. We appreciate the fact that so many of them escaped during the abduction itself. We appreciate the fact that the government has brought back so many more of them, but we say that we don’t stop here. We need the momentum that has happened since the mass return during the Buhari administration in 2016-2017 to be maintained. We expected that the remaining girls would have been brought back,” she said.
Mass school children kidnapping in Nigeria has continued nearly unabated since Chibok. Around 1,700 students have been kidnapped in raids since 2014 according to Amnesty International.
A member of the Bring Back Our Girls movement and convener of the 10th-year anniversary in Lagos, Opeyemi Adamolekun, lamented this as unfortunate.
“Unfortunately, it became political between 2014 and 2015, part of the amplification of the movement was part of the 2015 presidential campaign. And we saw the effect of the first batch of 21 that were released with the help of the Red Cross and the Swiss government. The second batch of 82 that were released with the help of the Red Cross and the Swiss government as well. But unfortunately, it seems that energy sort of dissipated because the government doesn’t feel as much pressure as they used to feel,” she said.
For this group of Nigerians, the government must match words with more action to stem the tide of mass school kidnappings in the country.
According to the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, a charity that advocates for the Chibok schoolgirls, about 90 girls still remain in captivity while dozens of the schoolgirls freed over the years are living inside a military-run rehabilitation camp with surrendered Boko Haram fighters they married in the Sambisa forest, Boko Haram’s main hideout.
- OPINION: What Has Quality Got to Do With Soludo’s Made-in-Anambra Brands - February 5, 2022
- Buhari Appoints Olatunji NDPB Pioneer National Commissioner - February 5, 2022
- Why ‘Side-chicks’ Remain in Business – Benin Residents - February 5, 2022
Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken action against private jet operators flouting regulations by suspending the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) of three operators caught conducting commercial flights.
This crackdown follows warnings issued in March 2024.
Acting Director General Capt. Chris Najomo stated that increased surveillance at Nigerian airports led to the grounding of three operators found violating their PNCF terms. Specifically, they breached annexure provisions and Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
In response, the NCAA announced a thorough re-evaluation of all PNCF holders to ensure compliance with regulations, to be completed by April 19th, 2024. PNCF holders have been instructed to submit necessary documents within 72 hours to expedite the process. Najomo emphasized these actions highlight the NCAA’s commitment to enhancing safety in Nigerian airspace.
Furthermore, the NCAA warned the public against using charter operators without a valid Air Operators Certificate and urged legitimate industry players to report any suspicious activities promptly.
This crackdown comes after the NCAA’s stern warning in March against PNCF holders engaging in commercial operations.
- OPINION: What Has Quality Got to Do With Soludo’s Made-in-Anambra Brands - February 5, 2022
- Buhari Appoints Olatunji NDPB Pioneer National Commissioner - February 5, 2022
- Why ‘Side-chicks’ Remain in Business – Benin Residents - February 5, 2022
Senator Cory also met women entrepreneurs from the Academy for Women Alumnae Association
Last week, US Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey led a congressional delegation to Nigeria, which included House of Representatives members Sara Jacobs and Barbara Lee from California. The purpose of the visit was to discuss a partnership on sustainable development. During the talks, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed his administration’s dedication to strengthening democracy through upholding the rule of law and ensuring good governance, justice, and fairness for all citizens. Senator Booker emphasized the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and commitment to peace and good governance that bind Nigeria and the United States as partners.
The delegation also met with women entrepreneurs from the Academy for Women Alumnae Association, who had participated in US-sponsored exchange programs. Led by Adebisi Odeleye of Moore Organics, the businesswomen shared their experiences and discussed their entrepreneurial endeavors. Other Academy members were Mandela Washington Fellow, Nkem Okocha of Mama Moni, Inemesit Dike of LegalX, and Mercy Ogori of Kokomi.
The partnership between the United States and Nigeria has lasted over six decades, focusing on addressing security challenges, enhancing health security, and responding to global health crises. Despite obstacles like corruption, poverty, and insecurity, the US remains dedicated to supporting Nigerian institutions and promoting free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections.
During the visit to the State House, Senator Booker reiterated the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and commitment to peace and good governance that unite Nigeria and the United States as partners.
- OPINION: What Has Quality Got to Do With Soludo’s Made-in-Anambra Brands - February 5, 2022
- Buhari Appoints Olatunji NDPB Pioneer National Commissioner - February 5, 2022
- Why ‘Side-chicks’ Remain in Business – Benin Residents - February 5, 2022
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
Navigating Bias and Ethics in AI-Powered Cybersecurity: The BRACE Framework Approach
Body of O.J. Simpson to be cremated this week; brain will not be studied for CTE
Corruption at the Nigerian Consulate Atlanta – A Victim’s Nightmarish Experience
Video of Murdered Nigerian Billionaire Michael Usifo Ataga Released —Viewer Discretion Advised
Peter Obi: Between the Politics of a Delegate and the Downing Street Photoshoot
Enough is Enough! O’Rourke Confronts Gov. Abbott during the Uvalde Press Conference
Fans are outraged as acclaimed Nigerian sex therapist unveils baby bump
Video of Murdered Nigerian Billionaire Michael Usifo Ataga Released —Viewer Discretion Advised
-
Column1 week agoNavigating Bias and Ethics in AI-Powered Cybersecurity: The BRACE Framework Approach
-
News1 week agoTrump trial update: Trump rebuked by judge for speaking during jury selection — and 7 jurors are seated
-
Lifestyle1 week agoBody of O.J. Simpson to be cremated this week; brain will not be studied for CTE
-
Education1 week ago11 Communication Students Awarded Scholarships at TSU’s Commweek
-
Africa1 week agoDonors raise more than 2 billion euros for Sudan aid a year into war
-
Africa1 week agoSA users of Starlink will be cut off at the end of the month
-
News1 week agoNigeria: chibok abduction anniversary spurs demands for justice
-
News1 week agoNigeria suspends permit of 3 private jet operators