Twitter is back on
FG suspends ban on Twitter, is there a game plan to it?
Issue #23
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Now, that we’ve gotten that out of the way, today we are looking at:
Nigerian government suspends ban on Twitter.
2023 Elections: Tense atmosphere for prospects.
Nigerian Government Suspends Twitter Ban
On the 12th of January, while some citizens were tweeting from VPN-enabled Netherlands and Canada, the Federal Government announced to Nigerians that the ban on the popular social media platform, Twitter would be lifted.
Twitter was banned about seven months ago, following a deleted tweet made by President Mohammadu Buhari. The ban was eventually officially lifted at midnight, 13th January.
Who Said What?
The announcement was made via a statement from the Chairman Technical Committee, Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and Director-General National Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi. (Simply put, the negotiator).
Abdullahi was directed by President Mohammadu Buhari after he (the president) approved a memo forwarded through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Patami.
Terms and Conditions
The FG claims that the microblogging site has agreed to its conditions before the ban was lifted. The conditions were that Twitter would operate as a taxable legal entity and set up an office in Nigeria. It would also manage prohibited publications in line with Nigerian law. Twitter however hasn’t confirmed that it accepted the terms.
How Tweeps are Reacting
Some Twitter users are happy that the ban has been lifted. As the microblogging site is not only an avenue for communication, news sharing, and engaging business interactions.
Some are indifferent while others are wary that it is another ploy by the government to aid the campaigns for the 2023 presidential elections.
2023 Election: Tense Atmosphere for prospects
Barely 400 days to the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria the jostling for the most coveted office in Africa has entered a serious phase with the announcement by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest in the 2023 presidential election. He made the intention public as he visited President Mohammadu Buhari earlier this week.
Buhari has in his interview on Channels Television hinted that he has a preferred candidate but wouldn't let the cat out of the bag just yet to avoid public backlash.
Since the Jagaban made his intention known at the Aso Rock Villa, the likes of David Umahi the governor of Ebonyi State as well as the Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Sen. Orji Uzo Kalu has followed suit.
Who’s the contender?
Though the Vice President is yet to make his intentions known, from the body language of those close to him, one can deduce that it is only a matter of time before one of the Jagaban's greatest beneficiaries throws in his hat in the ring as a major challenger to his benefactor.
Pastor Yemi Osibanjo is part of Tinubu's political dynasty. He is believed to have been brought into local politics and later national politics by the strongman of Lagos himself, and so contesting against him would be a betrayal of a sort. if he does make his mind to contest.
Though nothing surprises one in politics, especially the political arena like ours that is known for absurdity. We shall be consoled in the fact that there's no permanent friend in politics, only permanent interest.
Meanwhile…
Dele Momodu has submitted a letter of credence to the National Chairman of the main opposition party PDP signalling his intention to slut it out for the party's ticket as they prepare to wrestle power at the centre from the embattled APC, which has been engulfed in internal crisis since last year.
Humans of the internet 🌍
WORTH READING 📚
If you feel stuck in your job or career and would like to do something refreshing. Do take a look at this Naval’s article that asks you to Find Work That Feels Like Play. Read here.
For our more techie readers, if you are curious about the history of Venture Capital and would like to know more about how it works, here’s a primer for you. Read.
WORTH WATCHING 🎥
This is the beginning of the year. A time for sober reflections and new year resolutions. If you feel like you are floating through life and don’t know where you are headed. Please watch this Summary of the Atomic Habits, a book written by James Clear.
“Sample, ekwe!” If you remember this line from Original Stereoman’s song many years ago, then you’d be pleased to watch this Amapiano remix of the song by MasterKraft himself. Watch here.
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This brief was put together while listening to Iyo by Diamond Platnumz.
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Today’s brief was written by Sybil Fekurumoh and Blessed Frank.
Edited by Acquah Nana Yeboah.