A group of lawyers under the aegis of the Association of West African Media Lawyers (WAMELA) have dragged Katsina State government before the Federal High Court, Abuja, for banning WhatsApp in schools and Facebook among workers.
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In the suit which is marked Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/71/2021 has the Registered Trustees of WAMELA as applicant while the Attorney General of Katsina State as Defendant
The Group is seeking a declaration that the restriction in usage of social media by Katsina government is not compatible with Article 19 (3) of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966 and contrary to Section 39 (1), (2), (3) (a) & (b) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999
Other reliefs are, “A DECLARATION that the directive of the Defendant dated 7th day of December 2020 to stop Whatsapp groups and Facebook usage in public service and schools is a breach of freedom of expression as guaranteed by Section 39 (1) (2) & (3) of the Constitution of 1999
“A DECLARATION that by Article 19 of the African Charter and the Article 11 of the African Charter on the Rights and welfare of the Child (ACRWC) every child capable of communicating his or her views can express his or her opinions freely in all matters and demonstrate same to such restrictions as prescribed by law”
They also sought an order “prohibiting the defendant’s from further restricting its citizens or anyone from the use of social media or other internet specifics.”
WAMELA is a group of lawyers from various parts of West Africa who assist in litigation, research and advocacy on issues related to media and development.
Counsel to the applicant President Aigbokhan, Esq stated that “on 7th December 2020 there was a directive to stop social media usage in public institutions including schools. On 11th day of December 2020 there was a mass students’ kidnap in Kankara, Katsina State. This confirms the point that there is a positive link between online and onsite information sharing and anti-terrorism. Where there is no information the people perish”.
He condemned the act of social media clampdown in schools and other public institutions. He added that a restriction on social media conversation or usage is against freedom of expression as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. He urged the state government to preserve its citizens’ free access to the marketplace of ideas, online or offline. The case has not been fixed for hearing.
TheNigeriaLawyer recalls that Use of WhatsApp for information dissemination has been banned in public schools in Katsina State.
Principals were accordingly ordered to abide by the directive dated December 7, 2020 and signed by one Muhammad Sada Dikko.
The fresh order followed an earlier correspondence forbidding civil servants from using same platform and Facebook to comment on government activities.
The current circular read: “I am directed to write and inform all the principals to direct the various group admins in their respective schools to wipe out the so-called school Whatsapp.
“The abolishing of this group becomes necessary due to the multiple postings being made, which create problem and insubordination between the school authority and its staff.
“Principals should also remind their staff about the government circular that prohibits any civil servant from commenting positively or negatively on government activities on Facebook or WhatsApp.”
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