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Governments of the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Republic of Ireland, Norway and those of the European Union (EU) have called for dialogue in resolving the Nigeria-Twitter face-off. The countries made the call in a joint statement made available to journalists on Saturday in Abuja. “We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline.   “Banning systems of expression is not the answer. These measures inhibit access to information and commerce at precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions,” they said. The governments noted that this was particularly important in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. They noted that the path to a more secured Nigeria lies in more communication to accompany the concerted efforts of Nigeria’s citizens in fulsome dialogue towards unity, peace and prospe...

The United States mission in Nigeria has said that the indefinite suspension of Twitter's operations in Nigeria by the Federal government undermines citizens’ fundamental freedom and also sends a wrong message to investors.   The statement reads   “Nigeria’s constitution provides for freedom of expression. The Government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses. Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedoms. As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater. The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity.”

  Ludacris and his wife are expecting their second child together. Friends of the mum-to-be threw her a surprise baby shower and she took to Instagram to share photos. More photos below.   

Multiple sources are reporting that tele evangelist and general overseer of the founder of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), TB Joshua passed on late last night, Saturday, June 5, shortly after ending a programme at his church.   His body has reportedly been deposited at the morgue. A Facebook user, claiming to live close to the church, said "everyone is crying" in Ikotun, where SCOAN headquarters is located.   Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode also confirmed that TB Joshua is dead. According to FFK, he spoke with one of TB Joshua's daughters who told him the popular clergyman is dead.     TB Joshua's Wikipedia has also been updated.     Temitope Balogun Joshua, aka T.B. Joshua reportedly died at age 57, one week before his 58th birthday. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

Former US president, Donald Trump has been banned from Facebook for at least two years.   The Republican politician was indefinitely suspended from all Facebook platforms over the 6 January US Capitol riot, in which his supporters violently tried to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s election win.   Now Mr. Trump’s account will remain suspended until 7 January 2023, and Mark Zuckerberg’s company says he will only get it back if the “risk to public safety has receded.”   Facebook’s independent Oversight Board upheld the initial suspension of Mr. Trump last month, but they criticized the company over the indefinite time period, which led Mr. Zuckerberg to introduce the new rules.   “Given the gravity of the circumstances that led to Mr. Trump’s suspension, we believe his actions constituted a severe violation of our rules which merit the highest penalty available under the new enforcement protocols. We are suspending his accounts for two y...

A yet-to-be-identified pastor and one other have been arrested by men of the Delta state police command for the alleged murder of a 13-year-old girl, Miracle Mwafor, whose heart was ripped open and other vital organs removed in Boji Boji Agbor on Friday, June 4.   According to reports, the victim and her mother who is a petty trader attend the church of the clergyman. On Friday after the evening service, the pastor claimed he placed Miracle on a motorcycle for her to be taken home.The mother who was at home became agitated after waiting endlessly without seeing her child.    The police were alerted and after thorough investigation, the motorcyclist was apprehended. When interrogated, the suspect implicated the pastor. The suspects were said to have later led detectives to the spot where the girl’s mutilated body was dumped at the back of the state School of Nursing by Central Hospital.   Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state p...

The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has suspended access to Twitter.   A statement jointly signed by ALTON chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and executive secretary, Gbolahan Awonuga, and released this morning June 5, stated that the suspension was based on a directive by the telecommunications industry regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).    The statement titled ‘Order to Suspend Access to Twitter’, reads “We, The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) wish to confirm that our members have received formal instructions from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator to suspend access to Twitter. ALTON has conducted a robust assessment of the request in accordance with internationally accepted principles. Based on national interest provisions in the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and within the licence terms under which the industry operat...