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Twitter Ban: FG Gives Condition for restoration

Published

4 years ago

June 7, 2021

The Federal Government says it would restore Twitter operations in Nigeria if the platform would be used responsibly by the citizens.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama disclosed this at a meeting in Abuja with some of the top envoys of various Diplomatic Missions in Nigeria.

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.

“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.

Envoys present at the meeting which held at the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Monday included, those of Canada, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland.

The meeting became imperative following a joint reaction by the envoys expressing disappointment at the indefinite suspension of the microblogging platform.

Speaking after the forum, Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, said they had a fruitful deliberation and reviewed the situation.

According to the minister, the security concerns of President Muhammadu Buhari and the steps taken to address them were tabled.

Onyeama said the government acknowledges the roles social media plays and how it swings positively and negatively. He further stressed that the negative aspect has dire consequences and can threaten the unity of the country.

The minister further stated that these concerns have brought about the strong steps taken by the president to maintain the nation’s unity.

He highlighted the need for the envoys to support the country on the Twitter ban, just as they lent their support to fixing the security crisis.

On her part, the US Ambassador, Mary-beth Leonards who spoke on behalf of other envoys, said they want to see Nigeria succeed, and while the challenges could be daunting, they aren’t insurmountable.

She reminded the government that free access to social media, is important and they are happy that the government, is in talks with Twitter.

The diplomatic missions had on Saturday said they were let down by the decision to suspend Twitter operations in Nigeria.

“The diplomatic missions of Canada, the European Union (Delegation to Nigeria), the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America convey our disappointment over the Government of Nigeria’s announcement suspending #Twitter and proposing registration requirements for other social media,” a joint statement from the missions said.

“We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline.

“Banning systems of expression is not the answer. These measures inhibit access to information and commerce at precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication to accompany the concerted efforts of Nigeria’s citizens in fulsome dialogue toward unity, peace, and prosperity. As Nigeria’s partners, we stand ready to assist in achieving these goals.”

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News

FG Secures Financing For Aba-Maiduguri Rail Line, Enhances Eastern Corridor Connectivity

Published

32 minutes ago

July 31, 2025

News Editor

Rail lines

The Federal Government has successfully secured full financing for the completion of the Aba–Maiduguri rail corridor, which is a crucial part of the 1,443-kilometer Port Harcourt Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project.

Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, made the announcement on Wednesday during a government-citizen engagement forum at Arewa House in Kaduna. He stated that the project will traverse Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, significantly boosting regional trade, passenger mobility, and economic integration across Nigeria’s eastern corridor.

“The financing for this strategic route is now secured, and we are dedicated to completing the full stretch from Aba to Maiduguri,” the minister affirmed.

Alkali also mentioned the ongoing rehabilitation of the old Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Railway, highlighting that freight services have resumed between Apapa Port and the Kano Inland Dry Port. This is part of the government’s efforts to decongest seaports, promote inland port operations, and support industrial logistics.

Additionally, the announcement reflects a broader initiative by the Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria’s aging rail infrastructure and strengthen inter-regional connectivity through modern transport systems.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed the minister’s statements.

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News

Benue Governor, Alia Dissolved State Executive Council

Published

40 minutes ago

July 31, 2025

News Editor

Benue State Governor , Rev Fr, Hyacinth Alia

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dissolved the state executive council, retaining only the position of Chief of Staff, which will now be held by Barr. Moses Atagher, the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Atagher, an experienced administrator and former acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, was appointed as the new Chief of Staff, effective immediately, at the close of the 12th executive council meeting of 2025.

Terso Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, announced that the dissolution affects only the commissioners.

Governor Alia expressed his appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their two years of service, encouraging those who may not be reappointed to remain loyal to the party and continue supporting the administration.

Speaking on behalf of the dissolved commissioners, Barr. Bemsen Mnyim thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, describing the experience as a valuable learning process.

The former commissioners have been instructed to hand over their responsibilities to the permanent secretaries of their respective ministries.

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News

Tinubu Appoints Adeyemi As New Fire Service Controller-General

Published

50 minutes ago

July 31, 2025

Muyiwa Bamidele

New Fire Service Controller General, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Deputy Controller-General (DCG) Olumode Samuel Adeyemi as the new Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), effective August 14, 2025.

The announcement was made in a statement by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), signed by its secretary, Abdulmalik Jibrin.

“This appointment comes ahead of the imminent retirement of the current Controller-General, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji Olola, on August 1, 2025, as he reaches the age of sixty.

“DCG Olumode Samuel Adeyemi brings a wealth of experience to this new role. He transferred from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service to the Federal Fire Service and has progressed to the rank of Deputy Controller-General of Fire in the Human Resource Directorate at the Service Headquarters.

Throughout his career, Adeyemi has successfully completed all mandatory in-service training, participated in command courses, and attended various courses both within Nigeria and abroad.

He has served in numerous capacities and is a member and fellow of several professional associations, including the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, the Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria, and the Chartered Institute of Treasury Management of Nigeria.

The Board also extends its appreciation to the retiring Controller-General, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji Olola, for his remarkable contributions to the development of the Federal Fire Service, acknowledging his dedication, commitment, and the numerous initiatives he spearheaded during his tenure,” the statement added.

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