Home Crime Nigerian Government defends existence of Social Media Bill amidst rumours of non-existence
CrimeNewsPolitics

Nigerian Government defends existence of Social Media Bill amidst rumours of non-existence

Share
Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari
Share

 

The Nigerian Government has finally admitted being aware of the social media bill despite denials by Minister of information, Lai Mohammed.

The minister during an interview in the United Kingdom had denied the existence of the ‘protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation bill 2019′, stating that he was sure nothing of such was pending before the National Assembly.

However, in a court process, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Government have both filed an application to justify the need to regulate the social media.

Human rights lawyer and National President of Revolutionary Lawyer’s Forum, Mr Tope Akinyode, had in suit number: FHC/LC/CS/2037/2019 dragged Buhari, Nigerian Government, National Assembly and Senate President before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, challenging the social media bill, stating that its enactment was going to violate citizens’ right to free speech.

Responding to Akinyode’s application, President Buhari and the Nigerian Government had argued that the objectives of the bill was to prevent transmission of false statements and suppress financing false information among others.

The office of the Attorney-General is putting up the defence for the President and government.

The suit is yet to be given a date for hearing but Akinyode is hopeful the court matter will be assigned a date.

He said, “It is the constitutional duty of the court to hear and determine the application.

“Definitely parties will be allowed to argue their case.

“The bill is repressive and difficult to maintain without a brutal violation of the citizen’s right to free speech.”

(Sahara Reporters)

Please follow and like us:
Share

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Start your career with NNPC Limited

Start your career with NNPC Limited
Start your career with NNPC Limited

Member

Don't Miss

NCC, Stakeholders tackle rural digital divide

By Chioma Obinagwam Nigeria’s apex telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has partnered with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and other...

How democracy impacts businesses in Nigeria

Since Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999, the business landscape has experienced significant shifts driven by democratic governance. Democracy influences businesses through policy...

Related Articles

NCC, Stakeholders tackle rural digital divide

By Chioma Obinagwam Nigeria’s apex telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),...

Savannah Energy posts impressive 2024 results as Uquo Reserves surge

By Chioma Obinagwam Savannah Energy PLC, a British independent energy company committed...

CBN denies claims of BDC recapitalisation deadline extension

By Chioma Obinagwam Nigeria’s apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),...

Financial Expert frawns at budget padding

Please follow and like us: