#TwitterBan: Is Democracy at Risk in Nigeria?
In a recent study commissioned by Justitia, a Danish think tank, that surveyed 33 countries, 94 percent of the respondents think it is important for people to be able to say what they want without censorship. Likewise, the rights of the media to report as they see fit and of people to use internet without censorship are supported by 93 percent and 93 percent, respectively. Similarly, section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression as a fundamental right. This right is also guaranteed under the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments.
But if an overwhelming majority of local and international laws are enthusiastic supporters of free speech and freedom of expression, why has this freedom been in a major decline in Nigeria? The current central government is characterized with suspending or banning contents on mainstream media with reasons been ascribed to ‘national security’. In 2019, the government suspended the broadcast licenses of two subsidiaries of Daar Communications, the African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower Radio Station, only giving broad and vague reasons. Barely a week later, the Department of State Security Services (DSS) declared a crackdown on social media users for posting contents described as threatening the peace and security of the country.
Social media has increasingly become an especially important tool for Nigerians, especially young people, to express themselves. It has become a medium for shaping public discourse to which the authorities have struggled to maintain balance between extreme views and hate speech. Twitter specifically is the nightmare of government officials due to the fast pace of discussions that take place daily. Twitter has become a place where young people freely express themselves about the ills of government, which sometimes lead to online protest via hashtags. Other times, people use Twitter to connect offline to stage peaceful protests.
As an example, #EndSARs was a peaceful protest, but it was also the most controversial online and offline protest that shook the government to its heels. Young people from across the country and diaspora trooped out in the thousands to protest police brutality and bad governance which has plagued Nigeria for too long. Many people in government are not pleased with the use of Twitter as a tool for demanding good governance or freely expressing displeasure about how they are being governed. This attitude of government is very disturbing.
On Friday June 4, 2021, the government of Nigeria, through the ministry of information, sent a directive to all telecommunication companies to block access to Twitter in Nigeria. The explanation given was that Twitter is being used for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s ‘corporate existence’. Meanwhile, many Nigerians think the reason for such drastic action on Twitter is because Twitter removed a tweet from the president’s official handle which reportedly violated Twitter rules and described as genocidal and threat to lives and properties of a section of the country. This action of Twitter did not go well with some people close to the central government, hence, the ban.
Nigeria has a democratically elected government with three arms of government. The first is the Executive, which constitutes the President, Vice President and Federal Executive Cabinet comprising of federal ministers. The second arm, the Legislature, is made up of the Upper and Lower chambers with senators/representatives. And lastly, the Judiciary that ensures the interpretation and implementation of the laws. These arms exist to check each another and ensure delivery of dividends of democracy to the citizenry.
In Nigeria, the Executive has grown too powerful, configured by the current constitution, leaving other arms at their mercy. Although, there had been clamors for the independence of the judiciary and legislature, it may not be possible except with an entirely new constitution.
As at the time of writing, the judiciary across the 36 states of the country have been on industrial action for close to 10 months, which has left the entire country almost lawless. Therefore, when a federal government makes such pronouncement that undermines the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, the people have no where to turn to for justice. There is no court in session, the legislature is under the direct control of the executive.
It is, therefore, important for the citizens to stand up and defend the country against sliding into dictatorship. Citizens need to participate in the process of governance to ensure emergence of credible and reliable leaders across all levels of government. Participating in the election should not be left with hoodlums as we have in the past: good people need to actively engage and be involved. Election turnout historically is exceptionally low (between 15% to 25%) which leaves room for rigging and manipulation. If more people turnout to vote for credible candidates, it will make rigging difficult and reduce chance of electing leaders with tyrannic tendency.
Adetunji Adeniran is the founder of YNAG, Africa’s top brand teaching young people (17-35 years) action-based civic education. He writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
Social Media: @Kingadetunji