The Media Rights Agenda and the National Association of Nigerian Students have described the social media bill currently before the Senate as repressive, urging Nigerians and media professionals to be wary of it.
Speaking to one of our correspondents, MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, said it was erroneous to believe that the bill targets only those criticising politicians and public institutions via social media sites.
He stated, ‘‘The bill seeks to criminalise anybody who publishes any news items on social media platforms or broadcast such on either radio or television without first swearing to a court affidavit. The bill is not against only social media users but users of all forms of media.’’
Part of the bill read, “Any petition and or complains not accompanied by a sworn affidavit shall be incompetent and shall not be used by any government institution, agency or bodies established by any law for the time being enforced in Nigeria.’’
NANS in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Vice President (External), Oluwatosin Ogunkuade, described the bill as provocative.
According to Ogunkuade, the bill is an infringement on the rights and freedom of the Nigerian masses.
He said, “It has exposed the underbelly of the Nigerian Senate to an unpardonable ridicule that they are not representing their people but themselves.’’
The statement further alleged that the bill was an attempt to subvert ‘Nigeria’s democracy and freedom of expression in any form.’
Many Nigerians have been reacting angrily to the bill titled, “A bill for an Act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith,” sponsored by a member of the All Progressives Congress from Kebbi State, Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah.
Source www.punchng.com/?p=13367
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