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Twitter Ban:FG Infringes On The Right Of Millions -CITAD

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5 years ago

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Malam YZ Yau

 

The center f or information technology and development CITAD says the twitter ban by the federal government is an ill-advised and unacceptable action by the federal government.

The executive director of the centre Malam Y Z Ya’u made the statement during a press conference held in Kano.

 

According to Malam Y Z Yau the Federal Government, through its Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed announced the suspension of the operations of Twitter in Nigeria. This suspension followed the action of Twitter in deleting a tweet by President Mohammed Buhari which the platform concluded had violated its community standards.

He pointed out that CITADexpresses shock with such an ill-advised action by the Government.

The Head further said they are surprised that the president could allowed himself to be wrongly advised. The quality of advice that he received shows an extremely level of ignorance of the working of Over the top (OTTs) in the world.

“First, Twitter does not need to be in Nigeria for its business to strive. By suspending its operation in the country the government is not hurting the interests of Twitter but rather jeopardising the jobs of the Nigerian staff of Twitter and more fundamentally, derogating the right of Nigerians to freedom of expression which is guaranteed in both our constitution and in the Africa Peoples and Human Rights which Nigeria is a signatory to, among other covenants of human rights.

Twitter Ban: FG Orders Prosecution of Offenders

The platforms of OTTs are important component of the internet, access to which the UN has decided as constituting a fourth generation of rights that all citizens should enjoy.

By shutting down access to Twitter for the millions of Nigerians, the government has totally curtailed the rights of Nigerians to this service.

Second, it shows the lack of understanding of the state of technology in the world. Many countries have unsuccessfully tried to block social media access for their citizens, but the increasing number of by-pass technologies means that such an action is fruitless and rather a drain on useful resource that could be used to support educating citizens on how to use the internet.

Third, when government argues that Twitter was selective in punishing misuse of its platform, it betrays a lack of understanding of the issues at hand. Twitter like, any other OTTs, has its community standards. Violating any of these standards elicits punishment which ranges from deletion to suspension and to even outright ban on the platform. One of the standards is that no message that is threatening violence against other people should be allowed on the platform. ”

YZ Yau said the Presidents message was a threat to violence. It does not matter that he was responding to a violent situation. That other people had in the past made similar messages and were not so punished is not an argument for two wrongs do not make a right.

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The statement further said the ban illustrates the fourth nativity of the government. When the Government or the President noticed that some people were spreading messages inciting or inviting violence, what they ought to do was to flag this off with Twitter. Once a message is flagged the relevant OTT (in this case Twitter) is duty bound to respond to it by taking action. When it is dissatisfied with the action taken, it can appeal the case and in the case of Facebook, it has a global Independent Board of Oversight which deals with controversial appeals and whose decisions or rulings are binding on the OTT.”

The other aspect of the naivety of the government response is that it does not understand the nature of hate speech for which it has over a long period been pushing for a legislation. One of the key attributes of hate speech for it to catalyse into violence is that it should have a powerful speaker. That powerful speaker can earn his or her status on the basis of statutory power (such as a President) or love such as celebrity or cultural assets such respected community leaders or even religious capital in the case of religious leaders. What a powerful speaker does is that he makes the audience to commit the call to action embedded in his or her message. They could act the call to action either because they fear the speaker or love her or him or has institution of violence that could do his or her bidding. In the Nigerian context, clearly President Buhari is a powerful speaker who earned his status because of the office he occupies but also, additionally, because he has political and probably, ethnic followers. His message has a clear call to action which is to incite violence against his target. It is clear that his message, given his position as President has the potential to catalyse violence. It is entirely different from a riffraff ranting on twitter.

However, all these are by the way, the substantive issue for us is that we see in the act of the president a vicious intolerance of dissenting views. What Twitter had done was a mild criticism of the President but the president responded with an over kill. Clearly if President Buhari where the President of USA when twitter banned President Trump, he probably could have ordered the army to take over the company and dragged its management and owners to prison.

This intolerance of dissenting views is dangerous to democracy and unacceptable. It also is unnecessary and uncalled for given the situation that Nigeria is in, a situation that requires building bridges through effective communication rather than one of responding in kind.

We also fear that this act is preamble to the long ambition of the government to control access to the social media in the country.

Over the last six years, it has tried to do this through legislation unsuccessfully and now it wants use the response by Twitter to start a piece meal effort.

This is acceptable, undemocratic and unconstitutional.
We call on the government to withdraw its suspension and allow Twitter to carry out its legitimate business unhindered.

The government should allow Nigerians unhindered access to the platform. What the Government ought to do is to begin to educate and enlighten citizens on how to use the social media and not how to prevent them from using it.

We join millions of other well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians in demanding an immediate restoration of access to Twitter and a proactive safeguard against similar action to other OTTs.

We call on the National Assembly to declare the act of the president as illegal and unconstitutional and proceed to provide a legal clarify by enacting a law that prohibits presidents or any other authority from blocking any internet platform.

As an organization dedicated to the use of information technology to promote development and good governance, we are prepared to help in the campaign for better use of the internet but even more, we are ready to help Nigerians reclaim their right to access to twitter, among other OTT platforms by building their capacity on by bypass technologies.”

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Governor Dauda Lawal Defects to APC After Stakeholder Consultations

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21 hours ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Zamfara State Government has announced that Governor Dauda Lawal has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following what officials described as “extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.” This was contained in a statement signed by Nuhu Salihu Anka, Director General, Media and Communication, Office of the Governor.

According to the statement, Governor Lawal’s decision was driven by the overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development in Zamfara State. “After careful consideration, His Excellency has decided to formally defect to the APC,” Anka said, noting that the move followed prolonged internal crises within the PDP at both national and state levels.

The government explained that unresolved leadership disagreements and structural challenges in the PDP had created uncertainty and distractions that threatened effective governance. “These challenges have continued to hinder the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State,” the statement emphasized.

Governor Lawal reiterated that his primary responsibility remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara State. “It became necessary to align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government,” Anka quoted the governor as saying.

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The statement further revealed that the final deliberation leading to the defection was held at the Government House in Gusau, under the coordination of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders. “This was a collective decision reached after wide consultations,” Anka explained.

Governor Lawal expressed appreciation to PDP members and supporters for their cooperation over the years. However, he noted that the prevailing political realities and unresolved crises within the party made it necessary to take what he described as “a bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.”

By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government. “This is a new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development,” Anka stated.

The government therefore called on citizens, political leaders, party supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm and supportive. “We urge everyone to embrace this transition peacefully as Zamfara enters a new chapter of political cooperation and progress,”

 

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Petrol Price Surge to Deepen Cost-of-Living Crisis as Dangote Refinery Hikes Rates Again

Published

23 hours ago

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March 9, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The financial burden on Nigerian consumers is set to intensify following a sharp increase in petrol prices by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, marking the third adjustment in less than a week.

Effective Monday, the refinery raised the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ₦1,175 per litre. This represents a significant jump of ₦180, or approximately 18.1%, from the ₦995 per litre price announced just last Friday. In a parallel move, the gantry price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) was also revised upward to ₦1,620 per litre.

Confirming the development to our correspondent, a senior official at the refinery, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public commentary, stated that the changes have been formally communicated to marketers and depot operators.

“Yes, the gantry prices have been adjusted. PMS is now ₦1,175 per litre while Automotive Gas Oil is ₦1,620 per litre,” the official said. “The market has been extremely volatile, and replacement costs have shifted significantly in recent days. These adjustments reflect prevailing market fundamentals and the cost environment we are currently operating in.”

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Data from the industry pricing platform, petroleumprice.ng, confirmed that the revised rates have been integrated into depot pricing systems nationwide, effectively resetting the benchmark for downstream marketers.

This latest surge—which has seen gantry prices climb from ₦774 to over ₦1,175 in a matter of days—is already translating to higher costs at the pump. Retail outlets in several states are now selling petrol for approximately ₦1,200 per litre, adding another layer of economic strain on households and businesses.

The increase is expected to trigger a fresh wave of price adjustments across the country. Higher fuel costs invariably lead to increased expenses for transportation, logistics, and production, costs that are typically passed on to consumers. This dynamic threatens to exacerbate Nigeria’s already high cost of living.

The price hikes underscore the challenges facing the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilize the downstream sector. Through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the government has been working to secure crude oil supply for the Dangote refinery via third-party international traders in a bid to sustain local refining and, ultimately, moderate prices.

However, officials caution that these interventions may not yield immediate relief for consumers. As the 650,000-barrel-per-day Lekki-based refinery adjusts its prices in response to volatile market realities, Nigerians are left grappling with the immediate consequences of a deregulated market where pump prices are increasingly subject to global and local market forces.

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ADVERT:KANO STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT BOARD IMMUNIZATION PLUS AND MALARIA PROGRESS BY ACCELERATING COVERAGE AND TRANSFORMING SERVICES (IMPACT PROJECT)

Published

23 hours ago

on

March 9, 2026

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KANO STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT BOARD
IMMUNIZATION PLUS AND MALARIA PROGRESS BY ACCELERATING COVERAGE AND TRANSFORMING SERVICES (IMPACT PROJECT)

CREDIT NO. IDA-65390

Request for Bids – Goods

Procurement of 44 Nos. Ultrasound Scan Machines for 44 Secondary Facilities in Kano State.

NG-KANO MPA-536529-GO-RFB

Date of Issue: March 9, 2026

1. The Kano State Government through the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received a credit from the International Development Association toward the cost of the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this credit to payments under the Contract for the Procurement of 44 Nos. Ultrasound Scan Machines for 44 Secondary Facilities in Kano State.

2. The Kano State Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Procurement of the following:

Item No.
Description / Identification of Items
Qty
Bid Security
Delivery Period
Location(s)

 

Procurement of 44 Nos. Ultrasound Scan Machines for 44 Secondary Facilities in Kano State.

NG-KANO MPA-536529-GO-RFB
44
₦19,700,000.00
90 days
Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project, State PIU Office, Na’ibawa Zaria Road, Opposite Gidan Fiat, Kano State

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Bidding Procedures
3. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding using Request for Bids (RfB) as specified in the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” Procurement in Investment Projects Financing” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”) available on www.worldbank.org/procure and is open to all Bidders as defined in the Procurement Regulations. In addition, please refers to paragraphs 3.14 to 3.17 in the “Procurement Regulation” on the conflict of interest.

Invitation
4. Interested and eligible bidders may obtain further information from the State Project Manager, Kano State IMPACT Project, and inspect/obtain the bidding documents at the address below, between 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Mondays to Fridays, except on public holidays.

5. Qualifications requirements include:

The Bidder should demonstrate that it has successfully completed the supply/installation of a minimum of 30 (Thirty) Ultrasound Scan Machine within the last 5 (five) years.”
Audited financial statements for the last three (3) years, to demonstrate the financial capability of the Bidder in terms of Profitability and adequate working capital,
Registration with Professional organizations/Licenses to sell Medical Equipment in Nigeria.
Company Registration,
Certified Manufacturers Authorization,
Evidence of after-sales services in Nigeria

A margin of preference for eligible national contractors shall not apply; Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.

6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application to the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of ₦ 100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira only). The payment method will be a Bank Draft in favour of the Kano State IMPACT Project. The Bidding Documents will be collected by the representative of the Bidder or by courier services on request, which shall be at the bidder’s cost.

7. Bids must be delivered to the address below at 11:00 am local time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Electronic bid submissions will not be accepted; Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives, who choose to attend in person at the address below 11:00 am local time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of ₦19,700,000.00 in local currency or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency.

8. The address referred to above is:

The State Project Manager,
State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU),
Kano State Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project,
Address: Na’ibawa Zaria Road, Opposite Gidan Fiat, P.M.B 3295, Kano State.
Telephone: +234 803 530 7255 / +234 806 558 1226
Email address: piukanoimpactproject@gmail.com

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