Pascal Oparada
On Friday, when the ban on Twitter was announced, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, tweeted what he said he hoped is not his last tweet.
“I hope this is not my last tweet,” Atiku said with a smile hashtag. Atiku has not heard nor seen using Twitter again since the ban was effected by telcos and internet service providers in Nigeria.
But not so with many prominent persons who are daring the Nigerian government and has continued to send out tweets in defiance.
Oby Ezekwesili
The former minister and World Bank Vice President for Africa, Oby Ezekwesili, has not stopped using the microblogging site, despite the threat of arrest and prosecution by Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Ezekwesili had called for Nigerians to stand with her to resist what she called a violation of Nigerians’ fundamental right to expression.
Femi Fani-Kayode
The former Aviation minister sends out tweets almost every hour on various national issues. He had called the bluff of the government’s threat.
Aisha Yesufu
The activist who said she will not link her SIM card to NIN has continued sending out tweets despite the ban and threat of prosecution. Aisha said no one can stop her from exercising rights to expression.
Japhet Omojuwa
The social media buff has refused to quit Twitter and continued sending out tweets at intervals. He said the ban is irresponsible and that no sane society would clamp down on its citizens’ right to express themselves.
Omoyele Sowore
The activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters has continued to tweet and asking Nigerians to come out en mass on June 12 to protest the ban.
Seyi Makinde
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has used the social media platform twice since it was banned. The first time was when he asked that the Nigerian government to reconsider the ban as Twitter provides jobs to millions of Nigerians. The second time was when asked for calm over the massacre of Igangan residents in Oyo over the weekend.
Rotimi Akeredolu
In expressing his disgust over the death of Igangan residents, Akeredolu used the microblogging site. He also announced via Twitter that the South-West Security Network, popularly called Amotekun will gather its commanders to tackle insecurity in the region.
