Former United States President Donald Trump has applauded the Nigerian government for suspending Twitter operations in the country.

Trump, in a statement that was released on Tuesday, praised Nigeria for the action, calling on more countries to “ban Twitter and Facebook for not allowing free and open speech.”

“Congratulations to the country of Nigeria, which has just banned Twitter because it banned its president.

“More countries should ban Twitter and Facebook for free and open speech – all voices should be heard,” he said.

The federal government on Friday suspended operations of Twitter indefinitely because of its use for activities that could undermine the existence of the country.

Information Minister Lai Mohammed announced the suspension of the micro-blogging social network, days after Twitter deleted a post from President Muhammadu Buhari for alleged policy violation.

Trump, who had more than 60 million followers before his suspension, said banning Twitter and Facebook would lead to competition on social media sites.

The former US leader also said he regretted not taking action against them while he was president.

“In the meantime, competitors will emerge and win. Who are they to dictate right and wrong if they themselves are wrong?

“I actually would have done it while I was president. But Zuckerberg kept calling me and coming to the White House for dinner to tell me how awesome I was,” Trump said.

In January, Twitter and Facebook suspended Trump’s accounts on their platforms indefinitely. Citing “severe violation” after the Capitol Hill riots of January 6 as the reason, and that Trump’s accounts would only be reinstated if conditions permitted.

The former US president also opened his own personal website, www.donaldjtrump.com, to allow him to continue to reach millions of his supporters.

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