Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed says the activities of the online platform Twitter contravenes the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and international laws.
The Minister stated this at a public hearing organized by the house of Representatives Joint/Ad-hoc committee investigating the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria at the National Assembly.
He acknowledged the rights of Nigerians to free speech as contained in sections 37-41 of the constitution, but not those that are detrimental to National Security, peace and unity.
On why the economic benefit of twitter to Nigerians was not considered while taking the decision, Alh. Lai Mohammed stated that the interest of Multinationals would dictate for Nigeria as a sovereign country.
The Minister however urged the lawmakers and Nigerians to always put the Nation first, saying that the suspension of twitter has nothing to do with President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking, the chairman of the committee, Mr Olusegun Odebunmi, said the hearing was for the purpose of gathering facts surrounding the operations of the platform.
Mr Odebunmi, who is also the chairman house of Representatives committee on information, national orientation ethics and values, explained that the hearing would determine the circumstances, legal authority and objective of the suspension.
He added that the committee would gather inputs for legislative action that would promote unity and a crisis free country.