News
Court Orders Lai Mohammed to Disclose Nigeria-Twitter Agreement
The Federal High Court in Lagos has mandated Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the former Minister of Information and Culture, along with the Ministry of Information, to disclose the details of the agreement between the Nigerian Government and X, formerly known as Twitter.
Hon. Justice Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba delivered the judgment in May 2024, following a Freedom of Information suit (FHC/L/CS/238/2022) filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). A certified true copy of the judgment was obtained last Friday.
Justice Dimgba directed that “The former minister and the Ministry of Information are compelled to provide a copy of the agreement to SERAP solely to ascertain its impact on the protection of fundamental human rights of Nigerians.”
He emphasized that disclosing the agreement details is in the public interest and does not compromise Twitter’s business interests or Nigeria’s national security.
Justice Dimgba dismissed objections from the minister’s counsel and upheld SERAP’s arguments, ruling in favor of SERAP against the minister.
The court found that the minister failed to demonstrate that the President followed due process to designate Twitter as a Critical National Information Infrastructure, nor was there an order in the Federal Gazette to that effect.
Justice Dimgba stated, “The disclosure of the Twitter agreement is not prejudicial to Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security or protected by the Official Secrets Act, as the minister has failed to prove the same.”
He noted that the minister’s argument about potential harm to Twitter’s business interests was hypothetical and lacked evidence of specific business or contractual interests that could be affected.
SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare called the judgment a victory for online freedom and democracy, urging President Bola Tinubu to comply immediately with the court’s orders.
In a letter dated July 13, 2024, SERAP urged President Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Attorney General’s office to disclose the Twitter agreement details as ordered by the court.
The government announced on January 13, 2022, that the suspension had been lifted and the platform agreed to respect Nigerian laws and culture; hence, the suit was instituted against the former minister.
The order to suspend suspension was issued by the Nigerian Government on June 4, 2021, following the deletion of a post by former President Muhammadu Buhari from the platform.
The court ordered its orders against the minister, joined in the matter as co-respondent with the former president.
By Ojomah Austin.
A large number of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been mobilized across the city, causing traffic congestion in several areas.
Security personnel were spotted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, securing strategic locations, with some awaiting further deployment to other parts of the state.
This follows the recent deployment of 35,000 police officers to maintain law and order during the elections, With less than 48 hours to the Edo State governorship election.
The NSCDC also deployed 6,433 officers, while the Defence Headquarters has stationed soldiers to ensure a safe environment for voters.
In addition, authorities have implemented a “show of force” with security agents patrolling key areas.
In anticipation of the election, the Edo State Government declared Friday a work-free day to allow voters to travel to their polling units.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held a prayer session in Benin, calling for peace and the election of a credible leader who will govern with integrity.
INEC has also commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to all 18 local government areas, ensuring readiness for Saturday’s vote.
……“E remain small make breeze blow am away”
By Ojomah Austin.
Nigerian singer, Zinoleesky stirs a buzz online due to a recent video of him circulating on social media.
In the video, Zinoleesky dons a white shirt alongside black trousers as he brags about being worthy to be used as a Valentine’s gift.
Reacting to the video, netizens commented on his skinny appearance.
Famous musician, Oniyide Azeez, better known as Zinoleesky trends online due to a new clip serving the rounds on social media.
In the video, the ‘Element’ hitmaker is spotted wearing a white shirt and a stylish black trouser. While being filmed, Zinoleesky bragged mightily about his looks.
He reiterated that he could be used as a Valentine’s gift to any girl.
The video generated a buzz online with a large number of netizens commenting on his thin body shape. Some swiftly leveraged it to make fun of the artiste.
One @janicekate_x wrote: “E remain small make breeze blow am away 😂.”
soromotoochukwu wrote: “I like how music can take you to another place. For example, this restaurant is playing Zinoleesky so now I’m going to a different restaurant.”
dave.dexter27 wrote: “Make breeze sha no blow as we wan deliver the valentine gift😂😂😂.”
oluwatamilore_xx wrote: “Bro,drank all the whole slimming tea and nothing is left to slim down.”
isco_west_whil wrote: “Chaii dem don set this Guy up for dragging again😂😂.”
scheargoon wrote: “Try put stone for your pocket guy”
bouncequotes wrote: “My boy 😂😂😂😂 slim daddy for dem girls.”
just_eniola_olayemisi wrote: “No be your fault zino, u no just get choice that to continue to dey craze 🥺 I feel for u my bro.”
zaza_mula112 wrote: “Zino Dey enjoy, while seyi vibe Dey cry under record label 😂😂.”
jamesmike7837 wrote: “See person be like broom stick😂.”
sheis_shuga wrote: “Who Dey decive you werey 😢😢see as u slim like who get HIV 😢😔🙄🥺Dooh.”
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