The United States government has expressed worry about the continued suspension of Twitter and the plan to introduce registration requirements for other social media platforms.
Consul General in Nigeria, Claire Pierangelo stated this in Lagos at a Conversation on Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Civic Space organized by the US Consulate last Wednesday.
“Banning or significantly restricting social media, including under threat of prosecution, undermines Nigerians’ human rights and fundamental freedoms,” she stated.
She said the meetings between Twitter and the government technical committee last week aimed at resolving the suspension was encouraging but said reporters, editors, media executives, and civil society representatives — must remain vigilant to protect the right to freedom of expression and press freedom.
Based on her conversation with a cross-section of Nigerians on democracy since 2019, Pierangelo said she is convinced that Nigeria has a vibrant democracy and a relatively free press, but some concerns remain about the freedom of journalists to do their job.
“We take note when legislation is introduced which could have significant consequences for the freedom of the press.”
According to her, to fulfill its highest civic purpose, the press must be both independent and unbiased, adding that without independence, a media outlet functions as a public relations mouthpiece for the government and other powerful interests.
She said the Biden-Harris administration is committed to putting human rights at the heart of our foreign policy and that includes press freedom and freedom of expression, noting that a free press is a core pillar to a democracy.
According to her, history is full of cautionary tales showing that when governments try to limit citizens’ right to talk about certain topics, important conversations are pushed into the shadows allowing individuals to express their opinions — no matter how much the government and other citizens may disagree with them
“The United States, however, understands that with more freedom comes more responsibility. Advances in technology and increased reliance on social media platforms as sources of information make the accuracy and objectivity of your reporting crucial.
“More than ever before, good journalism relies on accurate, in-depth, and critical reporting of facts on matters of public concern or interest.”
She explained that the U.S. Consulate General is honored to host “Conversation on Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Civic Space in Nigeria” because media freedom and freedom of expression are vital to a thriving democracy.
She commended Nigerian journalists for the work they do to expose abuse, to hold leaders accountable, to empower people with the information that they need to lead healthy, productive lives and to engage meaningfully in the Nigerian political and civic space.
Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, gave a state of the press freedom in Nigeria lecture, while Mr. Jiti Ogunye, Principal Counsel of Jiti Ogunye Chambers; Ms. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Managing Director of Arise TV and Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, Founder, Foundation for Investigative Journalism were the discussants.
