By Ibrahim Garba
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that it is not in the interest of the government to stifle freedom of expression but to promote healthy communication; adding that information is critical to the survival of any country.
The Minister’s assertion is contained in a statement signed by Suleiman Haruna, the
Deputy Director, Press, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, made available to newsmen in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Minister made the remark when he received a team from Google West Africa, on a courtesy call to his office.
The Minister believed that it is important to have a platform where people can express themselves freely, but added that freedom comes with enormous responsibility which should not translate to an avenue for the creation of anarchy in the country.
He commended the effort to collaborate and find common ground for the regulation of online platforms such that they will not be used against the people that they are meant to serve.