HomeNEWSNAIJA NEWS UPDATELawyer Challenge DSS Demand...

Lawyer Challenge DSS Demand to Ban Sowore’s Facebook Account Omoyele  By Comr Ochokwunu Daniel Edor 

Lawyer Challenge DSS Demand to Ban Sowore’s Facebook Account Omoyele

By Comr Ochokwunu Daniel Edor

 

In a significant legal stance for freedom of expression, Enebehe Effiong, an Akwa Ibom based lawyer representing activist Omoyele Sowore, has formally responded to a controversial request made by Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) aimed at banning Sowore’s Facebook account. The SSS, which also refers to itself as the Department of State Services (DSS), has been accused of making an unlawful demand that threatens the constitutionally protected rights of Nigerian citizens.

 

In the letter addressed to Meta Platforms Inc., Effiong argues that the SSS’s request is not only “legally unfounded” but also represents a serious threat to freedom of expression in the country. He emphasized that the laws cited by the SSS are irrelevant in this context and that the social media post in question does not violate Meta’s Community Standards.

 

Effiong highlighted that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for whom the SSS ostensibly advocates, has not pursued any legal action against Sowore, suggesting that if the President believes his reputation is at stake, he should seek redress in a court of law. “It is the height of impunity for an agency established to ensure Nigeria’s internal security to misuse its power for the personal aggrandizement of a politician,” Effiong stated.

 

The attorney underscored the grave implications of yielding to the SSS’s demands, asserting that it would signal a precedent for further government-led suppression of dissenting voices. He urged Meta to recognize the SSS’s demand as a politically motivated attempt to silence criticism and control public discourse in Nigeria.

 

“We passionately urge Meta Platforms Inc. to reject the SSS’s demand. Censoring our Client’s voice is an affront to democracy and a violation of fundamental rights,” Effiong concluded.

 

The ongoing developments showcase the ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression in Nigeria, amplifying the discourse about the responsibility of social media platforms in upholding democratic principles amidst governmental pressures.

 

- A word from our sponsors -

Most Popular

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More from Author

Newly sworn-in lawyer reportedly strangled to death by her husband

Newly sworn-in lawyer reportedly strangled to death by her husband   Barrister Temi...

- A word from our sponsors -

Read Now

Newly sworn-in lawyer reportedly strangled to death by her husband

Newly sworn-in lawyer reportedly strangled to death by her husband   Barrister Temi Odu was a newly admitted lawyer who had recently been called to the Nigerian Bar during the Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja and fell victim to extreme violence.   ‎According to social media posts, the lawyer was...

Ex-Lobi Stars VC in fix as Barau FC begins probe on N1.5B allegations 

Ex-Lobi Stars VC in fix as Barau FC begins probe on N1.5B allegations   The sacked vice chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi, Mr. Dominic Iorfa is presently in a fix as the authority of Barau Football Club, Kano has begun action on the petition which it received...

Five-Month Marriage Ends in Tragedy: Army Lieutenant Set Ablaze, Killed by Wife Over Infidelity Claims in Akwa Ibom

Five-Month Marriage Ends in Tragedy: Army Lieutenant Set Ablaze, Killed by Wife Over Infidelity Claims in Akwa Ibom   Five-Month Marriage Ends in Tragedy: Army Lieutenant Set Ablaze, Killed by Wife Over Infidelity Claims in Akwa Ibom. A cloud of grief and disbelief has descended upon the Wellington Bassey Barracks...

Ado LG chairman receives encomium over massive performance as group tours 23 Benue LGs for assessment 

Ado LG chairman receives encomium over massive performance as group tours 23 Benue LGs for assessment On the 9th, October, 2024, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia swore-in the twenty three chairmen of the State with a task to use all the resources available...

‎TROOPS OF OPERATION WHIRL STROKE SWIFTLY INTERVENE TO HALT COMMUNAL CLASH IN BENUE STATE ‎

‎TROOPS OF OPERATION WHIRL STROKE SWIFTLY INTERVENE TO HALT COMMUNAL CLASH IN BENUE STATE ‎ ‎Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have once again demonstrated unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in Benue State through prompt intervention to stabilize a violent communal clash between Ugambe...

OJEMA HOSTS APA/AGATU PDP EXCOS, DECLARES EXIT MOVE

OJEMA HOSTS APA/AGATU PDP EXCOS, DECLARES EXIT MOVE   The Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on National Inland Waterways, Chief Hon. Pst Ojotu Ojema FESMI, has declared his intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal wrangling from the national to local...

OJEMA CELEBRATES CHIEF SANI OCHIJELE’S MILESTONES, URGES LEADERS TO LIVE FOR HUMANITY

OJEMA CELEBRATES CHIEF SANI OCHIJELE’S MILESTONES, URGES LEADERS TO LIVE FOR HUMANITY By Ojila Yahaya Monday   The Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hon. (Pst) Chief Ojotu Ojema, FESMI, has congratulated Chief (Barr.) Sani Ochijele, PhD, on the...

Breaking News: China has warned its citizens not to invest or build multimillion-dollar companies in Lagos

Breaking News: China has warned its citizens not to invest or build multimillion-dollar companies in Lagos, stressing that the Lagos State government has a record of demolishing properties and reclaiming land—especially those belonging to non-indigenous Nigerians, mostly the Igbos.   The Chinese government said it is watching events in...

Tragedy in Agatu: Five Siblings Laid to Rest After Boat Mishap

Tragedy in Agatu: Five Siblings Laid to Rest After Boat Mishap   Obagaji, Agatu LGA — Grief enveloped the community of Obagaji, the headquarters of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State this morning as the remains of five children — all from the same family — were laid...

Ado LG chairman congratulates Benue philanthropist, Tsar over AUPG/UNIPGC Doctorate Award

Ado LG chairman congratulates Benue philanthropist, Tsar over AUPG/UNIPGC Doctorate Award   The executive chairman of Ado Local Government area of Benue State, Engineer Oche Sunday Oche has congratulated a renowned Nigerian philanthropist, Engineer Dr. Livinus Adzer Tsar, PhD over his recent Doctorate Degree award.   Dr. Tsar, the Convener of...

Group cautions Benue deputy speaker against media attacks on Ado council chairman

Group cautions Benue deputy speaker against media attacks on Ado council chairman,   The Ado Descendants Union has cautioned the deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Lami Danladi over her "unnecessary" media attacks on the chairman of Ado Local Government, Mr. Sunday Oche.   The group...

OJEMA FELICITATES WITH APA/AGATU ON NIGERIA’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY 

OJEMA FELICITATES WITH APA/AGATU ON NIGERIA'S 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY   The Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House of Reps Committee on National Inland Waterways, Chief. Hon. Pst Ojotu Ojema FESMI, felicitates with millions of Nigerians all over the world, especially the people of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency on...
Enable Notifications Yes No thanks