By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Sowore Rejects Nigeria’s DSS Request to Delete Post on Tinubu
Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has dismissed a request from Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) asking him to delete a social media post about President Bola Tinubu.
The DSS had reportedly written to X (formerly Twitter) demanding the removal of Sowore’s tweet and the suspension of his verified account, claiming the post could incite violence and undermine national security.
Sowore, however, said on Sunday that X formally contacted him about the letter but he had no plans to comply.
“This morning, X officially contacted me about the despicable threat letter they received from the DSS over my tweet on Tinubu. One option I will not be taking is deleting that tweet. Thank you, X,” he stated.
A notice from X, shared by Sowore, confirmed that the DSS alleged his post breached Nigerian law and warned that the federal government might impose “far-reaching measures” if the request was ignored.
In response, X clarified that it had not acted on the complaint, noting its policy of informing users whenever it receives legal requests from government agencies. The platform added that users have the right to challenge such actions through legal means.
The clash underscores ongoing tensions in Nigeria between state authorities and critics who use social media platforms to express dissent.
