The Department of State Services (DSS) has come under sharp criticism over its demand to X (formerly Twitter) to remove a post by human rights defender Omoyele Sowore, which was critical of President Bola Tinubu.
X had already informed Sowore about the request, which rights groups have condemned as a brazen attempt to silence dissenting voices and instill fear across Nigeria’s online space.
Observers argue that the DSS’s push to deactivate Sowore’s account represents censorship and abuse of power, with no legal basis under Nigerian or international law.
Amnesty International stated that this action violates the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all of which Nigeria has ratified.
“Nigerian authorities must refrain from violating human rights online, including the rights to freedom of expression and privacy, and must fulfil their constitutional and international obligations,” Amnesty International emphasized.
Critics have urged X not to comply with the Nigerian government’s demands, highlighting the importance of defending freedom of expression and protecting activists.
This incident has reignited debates on digital freedoms, state power, and civil liberties in Nigeria, with experts warning that suppressing online criticism threatens the foundations of democracy.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
📩 info@stonereportersnews.com | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews
Add comment
Comments