Twitter ban: TPAP-M calls for immediate, unconstitutional release of arrested Nigerians
The Peoples Alternative Political Movement (TPAP-M) has called for the immediate and unconstitutional release of all those arrested in connection with the unconstitutional ban of Twitter by the federal government.
According to the Blueprint, Omotoye Olorode and Jaye Gaskia for TPAP-M Secretariat in a press statement issued in Abuja, “unequivocally condemn this unconscionable act of impunity on the part of a failing government and insecure ruling class; even as we totally reject the so-called ban, and the consequent attempts by the regime to criminalise engagement on and with the social media platform – Twitter.”
According to them, “If this government has an issue with Twitter with respect to the taking down of President Buhari’s totally unpresidential post, then it should make its case and it is within its rights to boycott Twitter.
“But this act of generalising the grievance of the presidency as the grievance of Nigerians, and of taking the unprecedented step of preventing other citizens from accessing the platform by fiat is not only illegal and unconstitutional, it is also a further indication of the highly intolerant character of this regime, as well as manifestation of the increasing and seemingly unhinged tendency of this regime to obliterate the civic space.
“We call on all freedom loving Nigerians to defy the ban on Twitter, not only as a reaffirmation of their rights to freedom of expression but also as an act of defiance and civil disobedience to protect and preserve our fundamental human rights.
“While we also express the readiness of the TPAP-M to offer legal services in defence of all those arrested in connection with this illegitimate act of government, just as we pledge our commitment to legally defend all those who may be subjected to state harassment on the occasion of their act of defiance of the unconstitutional ban.
“The legal defence commission of TPAP-M has been put on notice and has been mobilised to respond to this illegitimate, unwarranted and outrageous assault on our collective dignity and rights.
“As Fidel Castro once said, ‘in a lawless society, it is illegal to be law abiding’.
In this context, it will be demeaning of our humanity and dignity to obey, and not to defy an illegal act of the state,” they said.
