The Canadian and British missions in Nigeria have expressed concern over the federal government’s infringement on freedom of speech by its ban on Twitter operation in the country.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Atkinson, said Nigerian citizens have the right to freedom of speech and the federal government must not take actions that will suppress their human rights freedom.
“All Nigerians have the right to freedom of speech and the responsibility not to misuse that right. Any action taken by Government must be measured, proportionate and not supress basic freedoms,” @GillAtkinson11 tweeted
For the Canadian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Nicolas Simard, freedom of speech is fundamental human rights protected by the constitution and a cornerstone for democracy across the world and therefore should be protected while hate speech that could lead to conflicts should be prevented.
Simard said via his Twitter handle” “Freedom of speech, used responsibly online and off line, and access to reliable information are fundamental human rights protected by #Nigeria’s constitution and a cornerstone of democratic life around the world. (1/2) #TwitterBan,” Mr Simard tweeted via @NicolasJSimard.
“These #HumanRights should be fully protected, while preventing inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech that could fuel tension and conflict. (2/2) #TwitterBan #Nigeria.”
