ACN Accuses FGN Of Invading Citizens' Privacy On Internet Surveillance Contract

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has accused President Goodluck Jonathan and his administration of launching an unprecedented assault on the civil rights of Nigerian citizens, through the reported $40m Internet Surveillance Contract that will allow the government to invade the privacy of citizens, especially journalists and those considered to be opponents of the administration.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party argued that since the report of the contract awarded to an Israeli firm has yet to be denied several days after it was published, it is safe to assume that it is indeed true.

According to ACN, this action of the government will mark the beginning of what is sure to be the curtailment of the right to freedom of speech and expression and the freedom of the press, in addition to the invasion of citizens' privacy, just to mention a few implications.