House of Representatives reject lifting of Twitter suspension in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has rejected the lifting of the suspension placed on the microblogging platform, Twitter in Nigeria.

The House rejected lifting Twitter suspension on Thursday while considering the report of its Committee on the matter.

Recall that the Federal Government, on June 4, suspended Twitter from operating in the nation because of the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria.

The action instigated criticisms from nations, groups and individuals at home and abroad, who depicted the decision as an attack on freedom of expression.

Regardless of the suspension, some Nigerians have continued to access Twitter using the Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Responding to the violation of the order, the Federal Government had pledged to prosecute violators.

The House of Representatives had afterwards, directed its Committees on Information, ICT, Intelligence, Justice and Orientation to investigate the circumstances of the suspension by the Federal Government.

Taking into consideration the report on Thursday, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Toby Okechukwu, proposed an amendment to one of the recommendations.

The recommendation requested that “the Federal Government take into cognizance the negative effect of the Twitter suspension on Nigerians who depend on the platform for their livelihood” and lift the suspension.

Officially supported by another member, the motion was rejected by the majority of the House when put to the vote.