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Banning or restricting Social Media Undermines Press Freedom, Human Rights-US Consul-General, Claire Pierangelo

Published

5 years ago

August 5, 2021

Editor

By Michael Effiong

The Consul-General of the United States Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria, Claire Pierangelo has stated that banning or restriction of social media is a threat to press freedom and freedom of expression.

Speaking at an event tagged “A Conversation On Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Civic Space” hosted by the Embassy, Pierangelo noted that a free press is a core pillar for any democracy which is reason the First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely.

She stated that the Biden-Harris administration is committed to putting human rights at the heart of its foreign policy, adding “We believe that media freedom and freedom of expression are vital to a thriving democracy”.

In her words: “I have been in Lagos as Consul General since 2019. I have spoken with hundreds, perhaps thousands of Nigerians about democracy, elections, and the history of Nigeria. These conversations have shaped my perception that Nigeria has a vibrant democracy and a relatively free press.

“However, some concerns remain about the freedom of journalists to do their job. We take note when legislation is introduced which could have significant consequences for the freedom of the press.

“In addition, Nigerian government’s ongoing suspension of Twitter and stated intent to introduce registration requirements for other social media platforms is deeply worrisome. Banning or significantly restricting social media, including under threat of prosecution, undermines Nigerians’ human rights and fundamental freedoms. We are encouraged by the meetings between Twitter and government technical committee last week aimed at resolving the suspension.

According to her, history is full of cautionary tales showing that when governments try to limit citizens’ right to talk about certain topics, important conversations are pushed into the shadows. She urged government to allow individuals express their opinions — no matter how much the government and other citizens may disagree with them.

In her words: “Rigorous debate promotes transparency and social stability”

The Consul-General stated that in view of the prevailing circumstances in Nigeria, media professionals need to be vigilant as well as act with the highest level of integrity and responsibility.

“The United States, however, understands that with more freedom comes more responsibility. Advances in technology and increased reliance on social media platforms as sources of information make the accuracy and objectivity of your reporting crucial. More than ever before, good journalism relies on accurate, in-depth, and critical reporting of facts on matters of public concern or interest”. She stated.

In his key note paper, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of International Press Centre revealed that the Nigerian Press has been under severe attack from the present government as well as what he termed “legal and legislative coups”

Arogundade painted the grim picture of the media in Nigerian thus “we document incidents of attacks on journalists and the media including arson and killing – and they are numerous.Reporters San Frontiers (otherwise called Reporters Without Borders) rated Nigeria 115 out of 180 countries in its 2020 World Press Freedom Index”

He went on to highlight cases of impunity of state actors against the media and civil society activists.

He concluded “ The summary of the above is that there is virtually no rule of law in existence anymore with criminals, kidnappers and terrorists getting away with murder while innocent citizens, civil society actors, journalists are charged with treason, terrorism, etc.

The conversation was taken a notch higher by a panel comprising Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Managing Director of Arise TV; Fisayo Soyombo, Founder, Foundation for Investigative Journalism and Jiti Ogunye, Principal Counsel of Jiti Ogunye Chambers while Mike Okwoche. Senior Anchor TVC was the moderator.

The panel examined the legal and professional implications of gagging the media and the Nigerian populace while also providing insights into what should be proper conduct by today’s journalists.

In his remarks, Mr. Mustapha Isah, President, Nigeria Guild of Editors brought to fore the barrage of attacks on the media in recent times, giving the instances of the new National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Nigerian Press Council bills. He noted that the Nigeria Press Organisation (made up of media owners and practitioners) will fight these obnoxious bills and ensure they do not see the light of the day.

There were also contribution from an audience of seasoned professionals which included Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye. In deed, it was a very intellectually-stimulating session.

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Featured

DSS Nabs Man over Assassination Attempt on Peter Obi

Published

45 minutes ago

March 3, 2026

Eric

Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has detained a man in connection with the recent attack and alleged assassination threats targeting Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

According to AIT, the shooting incident took place on February 24, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State, during a political gathering attended by Obi and several figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The meeting was hosted by former APC National Chairman, John Oyegun. Gunmen reportedly opened fire at the venue, causing panic and forcing attendees to disperse for safety.

According to security sources, shortly after the attack, an individual identified as Udeme Monday Stephen allegedly took to social media claiming responsibility and issuing additional threats against Obi, warning of further violence.

Intelligence officials reportedly initiated swift investigations, employing digital tracing and forensic tools that led to the arrest of the 26-year-old suspect in Rivers State. He is said to be a teacher at a private secondary school in the Eliozu area of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

The suspect remains in DSS custody and is expected to face prosecution. The agency reiterated its commitment to responding to credible threats and safeguarding lives and national interests without bias.

Featured

Shiites Protest in Kano over Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Eric

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, on Sunday, took to the streets of Kano metropolis to protest the killing of the Supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following a joint attack by the US-Israel on Saturday.

The demonstrators, who are simply known as Shiites, trooped out in their numbers at about 2.30pm in and trekked from the Fegge Central Mosque the Islamic Movement headquarters situated at Kofar Waika in the State capital.

The demonstration, adjudged peaceful, lasted for about two hours, terminating after 4.00pm.

The demonstration was followed by speeches by their scholars that spoke about the state of affairs in the Middle East and its implications on the rest of the world. A special prayer was also offered seeking Allahs intervention for the people of Iran.

The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abudulhi Haruna Kiyawa, resisted attempts to persuade hims for official reaction to the demonstration.

Featured

Innovation Meets Vision As Glo Partners Samsung to Unveil New Galaxy S26

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Eric

In a convergence of technology and vision, digital solutions leader Globacom has entered a partnership with global electronics giant Samsung to introduce the much-anticipated Galaxy S26 Series to the Nigerian market. It is a device conceived for a generation that lives, works and dreams in real time.

The unveiling, held at Globacom’s corporate headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, gathered an august assembly of high-net-worth customers, industry figures and members of the media. The atmosphere was not merely ceremonial; it was symbolic — a quiet affirmation that when global engineering meets indigenous connectivity, innovation finds its true signal.

As part of the partnership, Globacom has commenced an exclusive pre-order window for its subscribers. Each Galaxy S26 purchased at any Gloworld outlet nationwide is bundled with 18GB of complimentary data under the Glo Smartphone Festival Data Plans delivered as 3GB monthly for six months.

In addition, customers receive a distinguished Platinum Number eSIM, accompanied by up to 10GB of extra data monthly. It is a proposition crafted not as an afterthought, but as a deliberate statement of value.

The Galaxy S26 Series itself is a study in assured sophistication. It fuses next-generation processing power with a sleek, immersive display, enhanced camera intelligence, durable battery performance and privacy screen technology. Its Agentic AI capabilities introduce a more intuitive user experience, one that anticipates need, protects data and enhances productivity.

In essence, it is a device built not merely to function, but to empower.

Speaking at the event, Samsung’s Product Manager, Sellout Platinum, Mr. Solomon Osibeluwo, described Globacom as the first partner to host the S26 masterclass session — a testament, he noted, to the enduring strength of the relationship between both organisations. He reaffirmed Samsung’s commitment to deepening this alliance, adding that the S26 Series has been meticulously engineered to enrich the calling, browsing and overall digital experience of Nigerians.

In his address, Globacom’s Head of Gloworld, Mr Mohamed Rabie, underscored that the collaboration is anchored on delivering real and measurable value. Premium technology, he remarked, must travel with meaningful benefit. He expressed pride that Globacom stands as the first partner to offer both the masterclass engagement and immediate pre-order advantages following the device’s launch in Nigeria.

Encouraging Nigerians to experience the device firsthand at Gloworld outlets nationwide, Rabie concluded with quiet conviction: “this moment transcends the unveiling of a smartphone. It signals the unfolding of new possibilities powered by intelligence, sustained by partnership, and carried on the dependable wings of connectivity”.