– Widespread internet outage affects multiple states amid protests
– Government denies sabotage claims, citing no directive to tamper with networks
– Citizens express frustration, suspecting government involvement
Nigeria is experiencing a widespread internet outage, coinciding with ongoing mass protests against hunger and bad governance.
Many citizens suspect sabotage, alleging government involvement in disrupting internet services. The outage has sparked concerns about restrictions on free speech and access to information.
The internet outage has affected multiple states, fueling suspicions of a deliberate attempt to stifle protests and free speech. Citizens are taking to social media to express frustrations and call for restoration of internet services. The government’s silence on the matter has raised further suspicions.
Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has denied claims of government involvement in the internet outage. He clarified on Channels TV that no directive was given to tamper with phone networks.
“There’s no instructions to tamper with networks” Tijani said. He emphasized the government’s commitment to encouraging youth employment through technology.
However, citizens remain unconvinced, recalling the #EndSARS protests and the Lekki Toll Gate incident, where real-time updates played a crucial role in exposing the truth. “The only reason we knew what was happening at Lekki Toll Gate was because of social media updates,” said a protester while discussing with Roaman News.
“This internet outage is a clear attempt to prevent us from mobilizing and sharing information but, we’ll find ways to circumvent it and continue our protests”, a protester added.