Group blocks diversion of $113m via Twitter

The Founder, Follow The Money, Hamzat Lawal, yesterday, disclosed that through Twitter, the accountability body had tracked the government’s funds by blocking financial leakages to the tune of $113m.

Lawal, who disclosed this, in Abuja, while presenting the group’s yearly report, said civil society organisations would keep tweeting and would continue to seek civic engagement and promote active participation in issues that directly concern them.

He said: “As government watchdogs, we, as a coalition of civil society organisations, will keep tweeting and continue to advocate for civic engagement and promote active participation in issues that directly concern us.”

He maintained that Twitter has helped the group to amplify grassroots’ voices and accelerated timely intervention in communities.

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to focus on insecurity, saying a ban on social media should be the least of his worries.

Lawal said the Twitter ban not only undermined the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy but also had grave implications on already shrinking civic space in the country.

“Stifling citizens voices jeopardises their ability to exercise their fundamental human rights. Twitter is one of Nigeria’s most intellectual space for dialogue and young people use the platform to hold government accountable, protest injustices and it serves as a source of livelihood and income for many citizens,” he said.