Social Media Bill: You are on your own, Buhari tells Senate

 

Following reports that a social media bill which would prevent Nigerians from criticizing political and public office holders was being debated in the House of Assembly, a recent report said President Muhammadu Buhari had distanced himself from the proposed bill as its principle was inconsistent with the democratic ideals of free speech enshrined in the constitution. In a statement from his senior special assistant on media and publicity, it said.

 

President Buhari was not against lawful regulations as long as they were done within the ambits of the law. Already, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. David Kaye said it was considering an urgent appeal against the bill which was submitted by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

 

The UN High commissioner for Human Rights Mr Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein was also copied in the appeal by SERAP.

 

Source: Vangaurd