Nigerian celebrities did not appear to have received the news of the lift on the ban on Twitter with any excitement as their reactions to the announcement of the suspension suggested they were not impressed by the Federal Government’s decision.
We observed that many of them took to their respective social media handles to query FG’s decision to lift the suspension, describing it as a grand plot to sway Nigerian youths into voting for ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) as the 2023 general election draws near.
With gathering political momentum across the country ahead of the elections, politicians are believed to be intensifying efforts to sway the teeming Nigerian youths to their side, and many observers believe lifting the ban on twitter after several months was one of such moves..
While it is believed that the continuous ban on twitter operations will have a negative effect on the chances of the ruling party retaining power next year, the president Muhammadu Buhari-led government may have had a rethink about its decision, hence the suspension of the ban on Wednesday.It is recalled that the Federal Government placed a ban on twitter in Nigeria for 222 dayCelebrities hit the government hard as they shared their views querying the rationale behind the suspension of the ban, suspecting that the ban was lifted because of political activities that may soon begin to spike ahead of next year’s elections.
For popular comedian and skit maker, Mr Macaroni, the suspension did not have any impact on him as he said no one begged the Federal Government to rescind its decision. He taunted the government, asking if “they are tired of sustaining the ban.”Oh, Oh… e don tire una? Welcome back ooo.”
He continued the tirade, adding that the government only succeeded in banning itself from the platform, and that Nigerian youths never really left the platform.
“You people banned yourselves, not twitter. Na una go!! We never left.”
Also airing his view, former “Who wants to be a Millionaire” TV show host, Frank Edoho, shared similar sentiment, saying “The Federal Government should just say they have decided to come back to twitter instead of claiming to lift the ban,” he tweeted.
BBnaija Season housemate, Tacha, attributing the Federal Government’s decision to the forthcoming elections said it was funny how government is lifting the ban as election activities hot up.
“It is funny how the government is unbanning Twitter just in time for the elections! all to gain CHEAP points!! funny people.”
Ebuka Obi- Uchendu, Big brother Naija (BBNAIJA) TV show host simply said;”In time for election season.”
In her own submission, popular actress, Nse Ikpe Etim, said the suspension of the ban confirmed insinuations that the government may be jittery and feared for its party’s chances during 2023 elections.