Femi Gbajabiamila
HighlightTop StoryTrending Story

Reps summon Lai Mohammed over Twitter ban

204

As the dust of Twitter suspension in Nigeria is yet to settle, the House of Representatives on Tuesday summoned the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, over the matter.

The House on Tuesday mandated its Committees on Communication, Justice, lnformation and Culture, and National Security and lntelligence to immediately commence an investigation into the suspension of the microblogging site.

Speaking at the plenary, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, noted that the micro-blogging platform had become a huge communication tool and platform for enterprise, especially for the teeming youths in the country.

He noted that the lawmakers had been inundated with protests and demands for intervention by the parliament.

“The House of Representatives recognises that Twitter, like other social media networks, is an important tool for communication and commerce in Nigeria, particularly amongst the younger generation who have used these networks for enterprise and innovation with great success.

“It is in service of our obligations under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our moral duty to the Nigerian people that the leadership of the House has decided to mandate the House Committees on Communication, Justice, Information and Culture, and National Security and Intelligence to immediately commence an investigation to determine the circumstances of the decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria to suspend the operations of Twitter in Nigeria, and the legal authority for the ban on the operations of Twitter in Nigeria.

“The Committees are additionally mandated to invite the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to brief the House of Representatives on the objectives, intent, and duration of the suspension on the operations of Twitter in Nigeria, and to report to the House within 10 days,” Gbajabiamila said.

Meanwhile, lawmakers of the opposition People’s Democratic Party have staged a walkout from the chambers following ther rejection of the “Point of Order” raised by their leader, Kingsley Chinda.

He had the Speaker as an additional prayer to the setting up of the Committee to probe the Twitter ban by the federal government to rescind its decision in the meantime.

But the speaker rejected the point of order, saying that a decision has been taken on the matter.

He, therefore, asked Chinda to sit but refused and was still standing and continuing with his motion.

A rowdy session had ensued following Gbajabiamila’s insistence while the PDP members walked out.

He described as unfortunate a situation whereby some “seasoned lawmakers” who know the rules would deliberately want to disrupt the House proceedings.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

FG secures conviction of 125 Boko Haram terrorists, financiers

The Federal Government says it has secured the convictions of more than...

ACF lauds Tinubu for NWDC, says it will usher in era of development

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a socio-cultural organization representing the 19 northern...

Just in: Obama endorses Kamala Harris

Former US President Barack Obama threw his support behind Vice President Kamala...

Shelve August 1’hunger’ protest, Afenifere urges organizers

A leading pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has urged Nigerians to...

Nigeria’s economy on recovery path, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said the nation’s economy is on a gradual...

Know athletes representing Nigeria at Paris 2024 Olympic Games

A team of 84 Nigerian athletes are to represent the nation in...

Southern governors forum Chair, Gov. Abiodun, mourns Ohaneze Ndigbo President General, Iwuanyanwu

Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun,...

Masterminds of Aug. 1 protest uncovered, says DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has uncovered the masterminds...

Protest: Pres. Tinubu holds emergency meeting with traditional rulers

A closed-door meeting is underway between President Bola Tinubu and traditional rulers...

Ohanaeze President-General, 81-year-old Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, exits

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is dead. Aged...

Breaking: Nationwide protest: Tinubu, APC governors hold closed-door meeting in Aso Rock

President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over a closed-door meeting of the...

DHQ warns against violent protests nationwide

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said on Thursday that it has uncovered plots...

Dev. Commission will help tackle Southeast region’s marginalization, heal civil war wounds – Kalu, Uzodimma, Ohanaeze

The signing of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law yesterday...

Breaking: Tragedy strikes in Lagos as building collapses, claiming three lives

A building collapsed in the wee hours of Thursday at Arowojobe Estate...

Nigeria, U.S. Customs partner to combat illicit drug, arms trade using AI

The Federal Government has concluded plans to curb illicit trade in drugs...

LG autonomy, minimum wage, others: Nigerian governors in closed-door meeting in Abuja

The 36 state governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum...

Tinubu officially welcomes ex-Senate President Anyim to APC in Aso Rock

President Bola Tinubu has formally welcomed former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim...

Abacha’s family appeals court’s judgment over revoked Abuja property

The Abacha family, represented by Dr. Maryam Abacha and her son, Mr....

Pres. Tinubu’s commitment to tackling oil theft, pipeline vandalism unwavering – Lokpobiri

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, has restated...

Protest: Reps advocate peaceful resolution, want FG to dialogue with would-be protesters

In a bid to stave off the planned nationwide protests scheduled for...