The Presidency has warned that
leaving the social media to operate without regulation could result in more
lawlessness, violence, and deaths.
Buhari’s Personal Assistance on
Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu made the remark while explaining that the
Federal Government was not against free speech.
Shehu spoke at the Kawararafa
Media Award and was contained in a statement signed and s by
Attah Esa, Deputy Director, Information.
He said the emerging modern media
platform had played a strong role in promoting information sharing,
strengthening democracy, and building networks of relationships, but without
supervision or control, the nation risks more havoc.
Shehu said: “For instance, the
entire Kasuwan Magani saga that resulted in the death of more than 50 people
was because someone posted misleading information on WhatsApp that went viral.
“All countries in the world are
trying to make laws to check the excesses. Many countries are trying to control
the situation. The Europeans have placed a new law that holds the companies
responsible.
“In United Kingdom, the
parliament has received a report on social media. There is a youth addiction to
it, just like cigarettes. Without any form of control, it has done harm to
women, ethnic minorities, individuals, institutions and countries.’’
Shehu said the Minister of
Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had consistently called for a meeting of
stakeholders to agree on modalities for regulating the social media, but was
rebuffed.
“The federal government is saying
that stakeholders should come together and agree on regulation. We know that no
matter how bad the situation it favours someone.
“Some have argued that our
constitution already has laws in libel, but the laws of the ‘60s never
anticipated social media.
“No government has the right to
muzzle freedom of speech. We don’t support the taking of lives as punishment.
People insult others and share false information on social media. I hope that
hate speech will be tackled so that Nigeria will be a sane place to live in,’’
he added.
The Senior Special Assistant
noted that in every part of the world, journalists go through some form of
training, accreditation and licensing before plying their trade, like doctors,
but “with a phone, a tablet or laptop anyone can reach millions, sometimes for
good and other times with ulterior motives.’’
Shehu said hate speech preceded
the social media, but it was traceable through the media platform and
controlled, explaining that the social media, while emerging, portends a great
force, and needs to be regulated for safety and peaceful co-existence.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
Respect the freedom of mankind,even US president has been bullied on social media,if you dont want this,then leave the political space where you are elected by the same people.this is simply their life,I mean their only right
ReplyDelete