A political group, the Initiative
to Save Democracy has petitioned security agencies over the alleged continuous
spread of ‘fake news’ by former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, warning
that, it is a security risk to the country.
The group warned that if
Fani-Kayode and his kind are allowed to peddle false news, they could mislead
unsuspecting Nigerians.
President of the group, Sunday
Akinloye, also disclosed that the group has concluded plans to drag Fani-Kayode
to court, adding that people must be forced to face the consequences of their
actions.
“There are laws in this country
and if anyone thinks they are bigger than the law, then we have a problem. The
law enforcement agencies should do their job and arrest the likes Fani-Kayode,
Deji Adeyanju and others for their hate messages and fake news.
Quoting the 2015 Nigerian
Cybercrime Act, Akinloye noted that he should be arrested and charged. “The Act
forbids the distribution of racist and xenophobic material to the public
through a computer system or network (e.g. Facebook and Twitter), it also prohibits
the use of threats of violence and insulting statements to persons based on
race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. Persons found
guilty of this are liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less
than 5 years or to a fine of not less thanN10million or to both fine and
imprisonment.”
Akinloye explained that the Act
also outlaws cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying. Anyone convicted of these could
receive an N2 million minimum fine and/or at least 1 year in prison. More severe
offences could attract a penalty as high as an N25 million minimum fine and/or
up to 10 years’ imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
He explained that the group will
petition Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms as
deterrent to others who are emulating Fani-Kayode on their platform, stressing
that, it is a national security risk. “They need to know how divisive his
messages are, and they need to understand why his accounts should be deleted
immediately.
“We have a fragile but steady
democracy and we should protect it with all our hearts and this includes
halting fake news and hate speeches. We have seen what these kinds of things
can cause, and we do not wish it on our country.
Akinloye urged politicians to
approach the election with maturity and caution, noting that, Nigeria belongs
to everyone. “Who wants to rule over a country that is in turmoil,” he asked,
“We should strive to ensure peace at all times.”
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very good news mr man , pls tell us Nigerians what about the man on seen on video collecting DOLLAS , can you promise some one something then you refused to give the person your promised,, this are all fake news ,
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