The social media bill proposed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria a couple of days ago is an attempt to shut the voices of the law abiding citizens of Nigeria. I find it very disturbing that the Nigeria senate is setting up a bill on the social media. In as much as I urge media practitioners to be very objective in their reporting, I condemn the bill in strong terms. It is highly lampoonable that the same social media that was used by many of Nigeria’s leaders during the electioneering period is now seen as an enemy of governance.
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
To this effect, I learn my voice that the bill on the social media, is a bill proposed to shut the voices of the people of Nigeria and it must not hold waters.
The Nigeria Senate must understand that the world is now advancing and modernization and digitalization has taken over the center stage. And any attempt to impose a jail sentence or fine on social media critics is an attempt to rob the Nigeria people of their legitimate right. It is an attempt to rob the Nigeria people of their fundamental human right of freedom of speech.
The kind of bill I expect to see the Nigeria Senate proposing or passing into law is a bill to try and jail corrupt public holders and not trying to sabotage the Nigeria democracy.
The Senate must also understand that no nation can advance without an effective media. The Nigeria people have keyed into globalization, and today, the gap between the government and the governed has been taken care of. So, for the senate to bring up such a bill , I find it disturbing. It is an attempt to take our nation to the pre-Independence days where our people had no voice or say.
The social media is an integral part of governance. It has come to stay and the senate and the leadership of this great country must accept the social media. I expect the Senate to sensitize her members on the importance and relevance of the social media in today’s modern day business of legislation and not trying to coerce the law abiding citizens of Nigeria into being scared of airing their views.
In this regard I also call on the general public to desist from peddling fake stories, rumors that can cause anarchy, rancor in the country. I urge media agencies to follow the guiding principles of journalism which is transparency, accountability, fairness, accuracy and commitment to the journalism profession.
Journalist owe the people of Nigeria the truth and nothing but the truth. Journalist must be the eye of the People of Nigeria and must shun publishing untrue and frivolous stories. They must shun individuals or group of persons trying to use their media agency to defame and assassinate the character of members of the public.
All hands must be on deck in moving Nigeria forward. We do not need the social media prohibition bill. What we need is a bill to clampdown on corrupt public office holders.
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst/Social Commentator
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