By Our Reporter
A social organisation called De Norsemen Kclub International has described the suspension of Twitter by the Federal Government as a deadly ambush on democracy.
The International President of the group, Dr Adeshola Giwa disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Giwa said that it was worrisome that a government which was enthroned through a democratic process could implement such unpopular decision.
He said that the suspension of Twitter had sent a wrong signal that the Federal Government was intolerant to opposing views.
“This unfortunate suspension has downgraded the challenged image of Nigeria and will lead to the downturn of investment and employment generation.
“Let the government know that the suspension of Twitter is a mockery of itself, because Nigerians are still twitting through the use of VPN.
“This is to show that no amount of suppression and intimidation can cow Nigerians. It is also an indication that the government cannot win the war against free speech,” he said.
According to Giwa, a government that has nothing to hide is not afraid of free speech.
“The rule should be, ‘let the people express themselves and take responsibility of their expressions.
“We want to emphasise that freedom of speech is an inalienable constitutional right of citizens.
“It is only a court of competent jurisdiction, and not the fiat of government, that can determine when the expression of citizens runs foul of the law, “ he said.
Giwa said that the suspension of Twitter affirmed the shrinking of the civic space, adding that democracy would not thrive in a space where government could determine the flow of thought of Nigerians.
“A government that panics at voices dissent has seriously derailed in the act of governance and the citizens should do the needful through the electoral process.
“De Norsemen Kclub International stands for free speech because the advantages, by far, outweighs the disadvantages.
“We, therefore, call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the suspension on Twitter,” Giwa said.
