The People Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives has threatened legal action against the Federal Government if the decision to suspend the operation of Twitter in the country is not reversed.
In a statement issued by the PDP leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), the lawmakers said the suspension of the media platform has no legal backing and that it would lower the image of Nigeria amongst other nations who practice democracy.
Chinda said the caucus was ready to approach the court if the government fails to reverse the ban.
He said, “The announcement by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture also insidiously instructed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT (Over-The-Top) and social media operations in Nigeria.
“We also call on the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to immediately rescind its directive to the NBC to begin the licensing of social media operators in the Country, having regard to the absence of any enabling legislative framework for such directive.
“We hereby give you NOTICE that in the event of the failure, refusal and or neglect of the Federal Government to withdraw, reverse and/or cease the implementation of these oppressive and unconstitutional actions, we shall be constrained to institute legal proceedings at the appropriate judicial venue within the shortest possible time.
“Nigerians will recall that on 4th August, 2020, the Minister of Information and Culture issued/enacted an Amended 6th National Broadcasting Code for the country which similarly imposes restrictions on sundry fundamental freedoms.
“Convinced that the Broadcasting Code is a violation of Chapter IV of the Constitution, this Caucus filed a suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division in Suit No.”