The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it has changed the name of its handle on Twitter.
On the verified Twitter handle, the government made it known in a tweet on Thursday, noting that the handle now has the name @NigeriaGov and is no longer @AsoRock.
The government in the tweet said that the change of name was necessary to reflect the fact that the handle represents the Federal Government of Nigeria and exists on its behalf.
The tweet read, “NOTIFICATION: Twitter Handle Change | From @AsoRock to @NigeriaGov, to more accurately reflect the fact that this handle represents, and exists on behalf of, the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
NOTIFICATION:
Twitter Handle Change | From @AsoRock to @NigeriaGov, to more accurately reflect the fact that this handle represents, and exists on behalf of, the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Thank you for following. pic.twitter.com/c3yIHS2RQ6
— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov) August 15, 2019
It will be recalled that few days ago, there were several attempts to hack Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s official Twitter account @ProfOsinbajo which resulted into the account losing its verification.
Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity on Saturday had tweeted about a failed attempt to hack into the Vice President’s Twitter account.
“Yesterday, there were failed external attempts to gain unauthorized access to the Vice President’s Twitter Account. Since, we have been in contact with Twitter, securing the account, and forestalling a reoccurrence. The VP will continue to actively communicate with our citizens,” Akande said in the post.
Yesterday, there were failed external attempts to gain unauthorized access to the Vice President’s Twitter Account. Since, we have been in contact with Twitter, securing the account, and forestalling a reoccurrence. The VP will continue to actively communicate with our citizens.
— Laolu Akande (@akandeoj) August 10, 2019
However, a story by The ICIR confirmed why the handle was suspended and the mixed reactions it generated among Nigerians.
Abeeb Alawiye formerly works with The ICIR as a Reporter/Social Media officer. Now work as a Senior Journalist with BBC News Yoruba. You can shoot him an email via Abeeb.alawiye@bbc.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @habsonfloww