The Federal Government of Nigeria has denied rumours making the rounds that it is monitoring calls and social media accounts. This comes on the heels of palpable fears amongst Nigerians over rumours of possible monitoring of calls and social media interactions on WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
READ: #EndSARS: Lagos govt. denies sponsoring attacks on protesters
This is according to information disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy through a verified tweet today. The information was termed “Fake News” and citizens were urged to disregard such rumors and go on with their normal lives.
READ: #EndSARS: National Human Rights Commission sets up independent investigative panel
Fake News Alert#FakeNewsAlert #FakeNews pic.twitter.com/EyFIO6VNOF
— Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria) October 21, 2020
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Why it matters
As guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and entrenched in our 1999 constitution; Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right. The recent announcement consolidates the unanimous fact and is a step in the right direction.
It will also assuage the apprehension among Nigerians, who have been spreading the rumours. Quelling such rumours at a time like this will reduce the already tensed atmosphere.
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