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Akeredolu Mourns T. B. Joshua, Says He Was A Blessing To Humanity

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has joined numerous symphartizers accros the globe to mourn the passage of the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet T. B. Joshua.

Governor Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olabode, said the news of his death came as a rude shock to him.

He described the renowned man of God as a blessing to humanity and a great Ambassador of the Sunshine State whose Ministry was noted for charity.

“Undoubtedly, Pastor Joshua’s demise came as a rude shock. The pains are not mere emotional flashes; they are indeed piercing.

“The Ondo-born Pastor and Televangelist was a philanthropist, whose exit will be sorely missed by many.

“Pastor Joshua was committed to giving and was more often, inexorably, imbued with calmness while lifting the downtrodden.

“As a televangelist, he did not just win souls for Christ, he was passionate about changing lives.

He demonstrated timelessly, an alluring service to humanity and compassion by assisting not only his home Local Government, Akoko North West.

“Other adjoining local governments in Akoko land benefitted from his large heart of benevolence.

“Of significant note too, Pastor Joshua never hesitated to assist in whatever manner the Ondo State Government desired such.

“To us in Ondo State, we consider this a personal loss. He was a pride to the Sunshine State.

“Not only Africa is hit hard; this is a great global knock as his  ministry attracted an immeasurable foreign followership. Christendom has lost a giant.

“The reality of the finality of death, truly hurts the heart. But for TB Joshua, he had played his own part of the endless life orchestra; he has departed.

“We must take solace in his good deeds while here. He is now a Heaven’s gain. The people have lost a committed giver.

“We shall continue to remember his contributions to the development of our State.”

Joshua passed on Saturday, unexpectedly, as he was not ill. He gave up after a Church programme. He allegedly complained of excessive weakness, and died, reportedly, on his way to hospital. His congregation is in shock.

According to a release by the Church, his past words before he gave up were: “Watch and pray.”

T. B. Joshua: Family, Traditional Ruler Mourn; He Died Without Notice – Uncle

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Relations and kinsmen of the popular Lagos based Pastor and Televangelist, Temitope Balogun Joshua has confirmed his death.

He passed Saturday night after a Church programme.

Pastor Temitope Joshua, a native of Arigidi Akoko, in Ondo state, died at the age of 57. He would have been 57 on June 12.

The Chief Imam of Arigidi Akoko, Alhaji Salisu Musa who is an uncle to T.B Joshua, confirmed the death.

According to him, the news of his demise is true as it was received from Lagos on saturday night.

Alhaji Musa, who said he was on his way to the deceased’s residence in Lagos for further arrangements,  lamented that the popular preacher died suddenly without any prior sickness.

Also, the Traditional Ruler of Arigidi Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun said he received the news of the sudden death of the illustrous son of the town with shock.

Oba Olanipekun said late T.B Joshua gave global recognition to the town through the works of his Ministry and his philanthropic gestures.

Born On June 12, 1963, T.B Joshua was the  founder of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) a Christian megachurch that runs the Emmanuel TV television station from Lagos.

Breaking: How T.B. Joshua, Founder, Synagogue Church, Died at 57

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

It sounds almost unbelievable, but it is true.

Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, the charismatic Televangelist and  Founder of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, SCOAN, is dead. He was popularly known as T,B Joshua.

A native of Ondo State, Nigeria, this Magazine gathered that he passed on Saturday, after a programme in his Church.

The Prophet was, unarguably, one of the most  controversial and influential Clerics in Africa and the world. He was as revered as he was scorned.

He made a name and became both famous and very wealthy from his prophesies and predictions.

A number of African Presidents believed in his prophesies and predictions, and  were visiting  him in his Church at Ikotun, Lagos. He was very famous for his predictions, most of which allegedly came true.

He claimed many miracles, including making the cripple to walk, the deaf to hear, the dumb to talk, the blind to see. And he claimed to cure all kinds of illnesses and afflictions, ranging from heart diseases, to HIV/AIDS,  to Cancer, to COVID 19.

He was the Founder of Emmanuel TV, where he showcased most of his miraculous feats. A number of countries banned the TV Station, but it was, also, a hit in some countries. He was especially a hit in Israel, a country he recently said he wanted to relocate to.

Arguably, TB Joshua was one of Nigeria’s highest foreign exchange earners, as thousands of people visited his Church seeking for miracles from all over the world. They came on religious tourism.

Even footballers and their Clubs visited him for blessings to score goals and win matches. He was also a well-known philanthropist.

In 2014, however, a tragedy befell him and his Church. A Guest House in the Church premises where he lodged foreigners, mostly, from South Africa, collapsed and killed over 100 people, mostly South Africans.

He was to inexplicably claim that a strange aircraft flew over his Church, and allegedly brought the Guest House down using chemicals. For that, he really never visited South Africa again.

The case is still in court. He and the Church and those involved in the construction of the Guest are being prosecuted.

At the time of writing this, it was not quite clear the circumstances which surrounded his passing, but a source close to him said he never showed any sign of ill-health, and died after a Church programme. He, allegedly, complained of weakness, and gave up on his way to hospital.

His body has been deposited in a mortuary.

He was preparing for his 58th birthday on June 12, 2021, a birthday he had said he would not celebrate elaborately because of the state of the Nation. He said he would spend the day praying.

TB Joshua to Evelyn, with whom he had three children – Sarah, Joshua and Promise.

Details, later…

NDDC: Tompolo Rescinds Ultimatum, Gives FG June Ending To Constitute NDDC Board

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Militant and Warlord for the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has rescinded his decision on the seven-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government to reconstitute a substantive Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Board.

The ultimatum, which elapsed today June 5th, 2021, has been shifted till the end of June, 2021, for President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Obot Akpabio, to constitute the NDDC Board in accordance with the Act that brought the NDDC into existence.

Tompolo accepted, reluctantly, to withdraw the  ultimatum earlier issued following several appeals from Nigerians including Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, in the interest of peace.

In a statement issued, Saturday, June 5, 2021, Tompolo charged President Buhari and Akpabio, to immediately, constitute a substantive board for the interventionist agency.

According to him, “I issued a seven-day ultimatum on the above subject matter on Monday May 31st 2021. There were a lot of concerns expressed by Nigerians on this matter within this period, hence machineries were put in place for consultations among Nigerians, especially from highly placed individuals and organizations from the Niger Delta region, including the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“As I expressed in my press statement of Monday May 31st 2021, I came into this matter because of love for the region and Nigeria. I make bold to say that I cannot be compromised by money and other material things.

“However, the only thing one can do for Nigeria in these trying times, where all the six geopolitical zones are in turmoil, is to pray to God for peace and tranquility, particularly for the economic hub of the country, the Niger Delta region.

“Therefore, I welcomed the consultative meeting of our revered Traditional rulers from the region, Delta State Government, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) led by its President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, leaders from the Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Ndokwa and other Nationalities with the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Akpabio in attendance, at the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oporoza town on Thursday June 3rd 2021.

“The outcome of the meeting has been made known to the public by the Minister. He promised profusely to start the process of the constitution and inauguration of the substantive board of the NDDC immediately (from Friday June 4th 2021), and that he should be allowed to drive the process to an end on or before the end of June 2021.

“As it stands now, I have accepted the outcome of the meeting reluctantly. It is pertinent to state at this juncture that, I do not want anything to disrupt the relative peace we are enjoying in the region. It was on this premise that I accepted the outcome of the meeting.

“The ultimate goal in this issue, is for the Minister to abide by the promise he has made to start the process of constituting the NDDC board now. Government shenanigans must be put away in this matter as constituting the NDDC board is very dear to the heart of the people of the region.

“I wish to thank all our revered Traditional Rulers for their fatherly role they played in the matter, my father, Grand leader of the Ijaw Nation and Elder Statesman, Chief E. K Clark, for his concern and intervention in this matter, the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his deputy, Barr Kingsley Brutu Otuaro for their intervention, The President of Ijaw National Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, The Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rare Admiral A. Hassan, Leaders of the various Ethnic Nationalities for their solidarity, Youths of all the Ethnic Nationalities from the region, Women groups and others too numerous to mention here. I say thank you to all.

“It is my pray that the needful be done to develop the Niger Delta region as seen in advance climes”, the statement read.

It would be recalled that earlier in the week, Akpabio visited Gbaramatu Kingdom to plead with Tompolo and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta as regards the ultimatum, asking for it to rescinded.

He was, however, tongue- lashed by the people who accused him of acting like “god” in the NDDC, and running it like his own private enterprise.

Yoruba Will Break Away From Nigeria On, Or Before December – Sunday Igboho

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Defiling heavy security presence in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, advocates of secessionist of South West from Nigeria, stormed the Ekiti State capital, to canvass for a self independent Yoruba Nation.

The Yoruba Nation agitators, under the aegis of Ilana Omo Oodua, trooped to the town from neighboring South-West states for a rally.

Led by Yoruba Activist, Sunday Adeyemo, also, known as Sunday Igboho,  the agitators, comprising traditionalists, masquerades, women, traders, youths, motor cycle riders, artisans, and others, wore attires with the inscription ‘Omo Oduduwa ni mi.’

The protesters who converged on the Fajuyi park where they marched through major streets and to the Palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti Oba Rufus Adejugbe, to pay homage.

With various inscriptions such as “No going back on Yoruba nation”, We are ready to go”; Enough is Enough”; We are not slaves to Fulani”; No retreat, no surrender”; “Let Hausa go their way, let Fulani go their own way and Igbo people should also go,”

the people also rendered musics to back their demands.

Addressing the people,  Igboho said that no efforts would be spared to rescue the Yoruba nation from the firm grips and vestiges of the Fulanis who have been oppressing the people of the southwest from time immemorial.

He said that it is high time Yoruba nation break-away from Nigeria and chart a new course for itself, adding that the Nigerian environment has been consistently harsh to the Yoruba people at the advantage of the Fulanis.

Igboho noted that everything would be done to ensure the emancipation of the region from the clutches of “evil-genius oppressors”, saying that Yoruba nation would break-away latest by the ending of December, this year.

He said that the people of the southwest have suffered in the last six years of the present administration and that the only option for the Yoruba to break the yoke of the continued subjagtion is to secede.

“Today, we are here to sensitise our people that we can no longer ensure the sufferings being meted out to us by Fulani feudal Lord’s. We are no longer slaves under them.

“The South has oil and water and other natural resources, but Fulani are the ones enjoying them. Most of our university graduates are Okada riders being what our politicians who tell lies recklessly have made us to be.

“Yoruba is the most educated race in Nigeria, but are these graduates getting jobs, no. Rather, our politicians would be buying motorbikes for them for Okada riding. This is wrong and would have to stop. Can they allow their children to be riding Okada?

“Today, they have shared everything that belongs to Nigeria among themselves. The President is a Fulani man, the Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Army Staff, Chairmen of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Comptrollers General of Immigration and Customs are all Fulanis.

“Let me say this emphatically, we won’t vote in the Southwest in 2023. We need a government of our own. The Fulanis are kidnapping us and collecting ransom, killing and raping us and our leaders are watching because of politics. This will no longer be tolerated

“The next line of action now is that, we are entering the bush to chase away these Fulani herders. We don’t want them on our lands again. We will pursue them just like I have been saying.”

How Soldiers Stabbed To Death, DSS Operative, In Ekiti Hotel

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Soliders on Patrol

By Ayodele Oni

The Ekiti State Police Command has commenced investigations into the death of an Operative of the Directorate of the Security Service, (DSS) in Ado Ekiti at the weekend.

It was gathered that the DSS Operative, was allegedly stabbed to death by some soldiers while trying to mediate in an incident.

Police Spokesman in the State, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the killing of the Operative.

He described it as “unfortunate and mindless.”

According to him, the incident occurred on Friday evening at a Hotel located along NTA road, in Ado-Ekiti, during an argument that ensued between some soldiers and a DSS official, leading to the death of the later.

Mr Abutu stated that the Command had began an investigation to unravel circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that the deceased corpse had been deposited in the morgue.

It was gathered that the DSS operative was stabbed in the neck and bled profusely, leading to his death.

An eye witness explained that the incident happened as a result of a hot argument between the soldiers and the DSS staff after the soldiers arrested a young boy they suspected to be an internet fraudster inside the hotel.

“As the soldiers who were inside the hotel stopped the young man they suspected to be a ‘yahoo boy’ and interrogating him, the young man saw the DSS operative on a bike and beckoned on him for rescue.

“When the DSS got to the soldiers, a hot argument ensued between them, and one of the soldiers became so angry that he drew out a knife and stabbed the DSS operative on the neck.

“The DSS man fell immediately and started bleeding. The people relaxing at the hotel had to run for their lives, in fact, they hurriedly fled the scene to prevent being arrested.”

Few minutes after the tragic incident occurred, about six gun-wielding DSS operatives were reported to have stormed the hotel and whisked the soldiers away to their custody.

Presidency: Twitter Suspended For Promoting IPOB Activities

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Garba Shehu

By Ayodele Oni

Facing an, almost, worldwide attacks and condemnation for banning the use of Twitter in Nigeria, the Presidency has distanced the downing of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Post by Twitter to its roundly condemned action. It said it had given Twitter a long rope.

Nigeria had banned Twitter after it took down Buhari’s Post, which the company saw as a hate speech, which boarders  on a plan to perpetrate genocide.

But the FG, in the evening of Saturday, June 5, 2021, declared that removing Buhari’s Post, condemnable as it was had nothing as such to do with it, but has everything to do with Twitter’s seeming support for the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB.

The FG  maintained that the international network, Twitter, might have misconstrued President Mohamadu Buhari statement, which led to the suspension on its account.

SSA Media to the President, Garba Shehu, insisted that the Federal Government’s action to suspend Twitter, was not just because of President Buhari’s removal from the global network.

Shehu said in a statement that: “The temporary suspension of Twitter is not just a response to the removal of the President’s post.

“There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real world violent consequences. All the while, the company has escaped accountability.

“Nevertheless, the removal of President Buhari’s tweet was disappointing. The censoring seemed based on a misunderstanding of the challenges Nigeria faces today.

“The President in his address at the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA in 2019 said “the world was shocked and startled by the massacre in New Zealand by a lone gunman taking the lives of 50 worshippers.”

“This and similar crimes which have been fueled by social media networks risk seeping into the fabric of an emerging digital culture.

“Major Tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities. They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.

“President Buhari has, therefore, been warning against social media’s disruptive and divisive influences and the Government’s  action is not a knee-jerk reaction to Twitter’s preposterous deletion of his tweet which should have been read in full.

“The tweet was not a threat, but a statement of fact.

“A terrorist organisation (IPOB) poses a significant threat to the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.

“When the President said that they will be treated “in a language they understand,” he merely reiterated that their force shall be met with force.

“It is a basic principle of security services response world over.

“This is not promotion of hate, but a pledge to uphold citizens’ right to freedom from harm. The Government cannot be expected to capitulate to terrorists.

“IPOB is proscribed under Nigerian law. Its members murder innocent Nigerians.

“They kill policemen and set government property on fire. Now, they have amassed a substantial stockpile of weapons and bombs across the country.

“Twitter does not seem to appreciate the national trauma of our country’s civil war. This government shall not allow a recurrence of that tragedy.”

Earlier the Minister for Information, Lai Mohammed had wondered why Twitter condone the posts by IPOB Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying that Twitter action was suspicious.

However, the Federal Government has come under condemnation for the ban on Twitter from Nigerians, and the International Community.

Shocked, Imo Faith-based Leaders Urge Politicians To Sheathe Sword, Support Uzodimma To Secure State

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Shocked at unprecedented violence in Imo State, Faith-based leaders has chided politicians, and asked them to sheath their swords.

The Leaders  of faith-based organisations also  on Saturday, asked them to support Governor Hope Uzodimma in his efforts to secure the people and the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku, said the Leaders comprised of about 50 Bishops from the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches under the umbrella body of All Churches in Imo State (Christian Association of Nigeria).

The Church leaders noted that the recent insecurity in Imo was majorly as a result of political contestation and insisted that all political gladiators regardless of their political leaning must join hands with Governor Uzodimma to restore Imo to the original peaceful status it is noted for by everyone.

They spoke when they held a closed-door session with Governor Uzodimma on the disturbing recent security challenges facing Imo with its attendant implications on the people.

The Bishops also appealed to Imo indigenes in particular and Nigerians in general not to allow themselves to be hired by politicians either as unknown gunmen, bandits, herdsmen, kidnappers, Boko Haram, no matter the circumstances, as tool to destroy public and private property, saying “such does not do any one any good.”

Briefing newsmen after the meeting that lasted for about one hour, the Prelate Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Most Rev  (Dr.) Samuel C. Uche said they came to see the Governor as a way of demonstrating their love for Imo State and more importantly, “to discuss the ugly development of insecurity in Imo State.”

He said because they are not politicians and not partisan, their concern is love for every Imolite and peace in Imo State and the steps that should be taken by all to bring lasting peace in Imo State.

The Prelate expressed the concern of all the Bishops which he said “borders on what Imo is not known for,” reiterating that “Imo people are known for peace wherever they are found.”

His words: “Imo is not known for killing, shedding of human blood and destruction of lives and property, rather Imo is known for hard work, dignity of labour, industry and a people that are very religious as over 95 per cent of Imolites are Christians.”

Bishop Uche said the Bishops in Imo State are working very hard with the governor towards returning peace and pacifying everybody that is aggrieved and appealed to the politicians to “sheathe their sword,” noting that “there will be no progress and positive development without peace.”

According to the Prelate, the Bishops have resolved to tow the line of honesty in resolving the issues on ground, adding that “they will lay blame on whoever that is wrong or whoever that has offended each other no matter whose ox-is-gored, believing that it is only the truth that will set us free.”

He said God has appointed them as leaders and fathers of the Nation and that they must maintain “high integrity, dignity, decorum, transparency and honesty in everything they do because the Bible said that righteousness exalts a Nation while sin is a reproach to any Nation.”

The Bishops concluded that “trouble is an ill wind that does not do anyone any good,” hence all hands must be on deck to bring back peace, work for industry, work for Godly love in our Imo State and Nigeria in general.

The Prelate thanked Governor Uzodimma on behalf of his colleagues for accepting to listen to them and for giving them the opportunity to express their stand and desires as Church leaders on the nagging issues in Imo State, especially the security challenges.

The Church leaders present at the meeting included the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) A. J. V. Obinna, that of the Anglican Communion, His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) David Onuoha, The Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Most Rev. (Dr.) S. C. K. Uche, Bishop Stanford Nwogu for the Pentecostal Churches, the CAN Chairman Imo State, the Very Rev. (Dr.) Eches Divine Eches, among others.

In his opening prayer before the meeting kicked off, Archbishop Obinna had pleaded with God to restore peace in Imo State. “Hear our voice Oh Lord, the creator of heaven and earth, hear our voice,” he had prayed.

Welcoming the body of Bishops, Governor Uzodimma thanked them for their concern and said as Church leaders they have a role a play in ensuring there is peace in our society and assured them that his government will continue to partner with the Church to ensure that Imo is properly governed.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu and the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie were among top government officials who attended the meeting.

US Reacts To FG’s Twitter Ban; Says It Sends A Poor Message To Investors

By
The Source
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0
US Embassy in Nigeria

The US Mission in Nigeria has condemned, in strong terms, the ban placed on Twitter by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The FG, in reaction to Twitter’s downing  of a post by President Muhammadu Buhari, banned, indefinitely, the use of Twitter in Nigeria, and has threatened to jail any Nigerian who circumvents the ban and uses Twitter.

In condemning it, however, the US Mission in Nigeria said the ban negates freedom of speech as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, and sends a wrong message to investors, businesses and the citizens.

The statement reads:

“Nigeria’s Constitution provides for freedom of expression.

“The Government’s recent #Twitter ban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this  fundamental  freedom,  and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses.

“Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedoms.

“As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.

“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity. #KeepitOn”

Both the British and Swedish Governments, as well as the Amnesty International, and Nigerians high and low,   have also condemned the Federal Government’s action.

NPAN Chides Twitter, But Asks FG To Reverse Ban

By
The Source
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0
NPAN

“To the extent that Twitter’s action may have been hasty in sanctioning President Buhari, and shown an uneven application to its rules against Kanu, its sincerity stands questioned. It should correct itself”

The Newspapers Proprietors Association, NPAN, says Twitter was hasty in taking down President Muhammadu Buhari’s post. In a statement on the ban of Twitter by the Federal Government over it, the Association said the President’s statement was directed at those who have formed the habit to kill and maim, burn down security facilities, invade prisons and release dangerous criminals all over the country. It asked Twitter to reconsider its action which NPAN said stands questioned.

The NPAN, however, urged the FG to backtrack from the ban it placed on Twitter, reminding it that Buhari is not the first President in the world whose post was pulled down. Former President Trump of America suffered same fate from both Twitter  and Facebook. He banned none.

Following is NPAN’s statement, signed by its President, Mallam Kabiru  A. Yusuf

*BACKTRACK  FROM TWITTER BAN*

Nigeria yesterday suspended, indefinitely, the operation of  the popular social media platform Twitter, for deleting the warning of President Muhammadu Buhari to the insurrectionists in South East Nigeria who have been vandalizing the symbols of the authority of the state. These lawless ones have been committing arson against public assets like police stations, prisons and the courts; freeing prisoners from lawful custody, killing policemen and soldiers as well as harmless civilians. It is a state of fear in the South East of Nigeria as in almost all over the country where terrorists, Kidnappers, farmer/herder clashes have almost crippled Nigeria.

It is to those persons that President Buhari warned that they may be ignorant of the cost of violence and may attract severe sanctions, reminiscent of the 30-month Nigerian civil war, if they persist in unrestrained violence and challenge to the authority of the state.

It is that threat of maximum state reparisal that Twitter found objectionable, according to its stated policy and sanctioned President Buhari with a deletion. This is not the first time Twitter would sanction world leaders for infractions against its stated policy. It did so to President Donald Trump of the United States of America, to global aplomb when Trump instigated violence against the Capitol.

Nigeria has retaliated with the cudgel against Twitter for alleged double standard in a hasty sanctioning of Buhari while pampering an unrestrained  Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has used same Twitter not just for serial hate speeches but for actually provoking and justifying violence in his separatist agitations.

To the extent that Twitter may have been hasty in sanctioning President Buhari and shown an  uneven application of its rules against separatist Kanu, its sincerity stands questioned. It should correct itself.

However, The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), thinks that the suspension of Twitters operation by Nigerian is wrong and an overreaction.

The action would not win us friends as closure of  public space limits public discourse and democratic advancement. It is a futile exercise in any case, as other platforms are more likely to suspect Nigeria’s intentions towards democratic tenets and act adversarially towards Nigeria.

Twitter is a global platform for public communication that has expanded the frontiers of Free Speech and Press Freedom. It is a platform for business that has brought relief to Nigeria’s youthful population who have prospered by its operation.

The NPAN believes Twitter as a business is not infallible and can be influenced through  high level engagement, to be a more responsive, liberal platform of public good and not a cynical champion of suspicious causes. .

There should be a compromise: Nigeria needs friends and not enemies at this critical juncture of her existence. She should not play into the hands of the enemies who are relentless is seeking to destroy and ostracise her. Banning Twitter is regressive and should be rescinded in favour of dialogue.

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