As corruption allegations levelled against some high profile Nigerians appear to be gathering dust in the filing cabinets, a one-time Nigerian presidential aide has castigated the Senate for its alacrity to pass Hate Speech Bill into law.
Reacting to the Bill, Reno Omokri queried why “they want to criminalise free speech so innocent Nigerians can die by hanging.”
Sponsored by Senator Abdullahi Sabi, the former Senate spokesman, the Bill meant to set up a government agency for the prohibition of hate speeches, passed first reading on Tuesday, November 12.
In his Twitter handle, Omokri wrote “Aisha Buhari’s ADC, that stole billions did not ‘die by hanging’. Grass cutter Babachir Lawal, did not ‘die by hanging.’ Those behind the NNPC $25 billion contract without due process exposed by Kachikuwu did not ‘die by hanging’.
“The ghosts behind the Ikoyi apartment billions did not ‘die by hanging’. Gandollar did not ‘die by hanging’, instead General Buhari raised his hand! But they want to criminalise free speech so innocent Nigerians can ‘die by hanging’. Nigeria, what have you gotten yourself into?”
Last week, the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill 2019 has passed first reading in the Senate.
The proposed legislation seeks to prevent the spreading and broadcasting of falsehood and manipulations using social media platforms via internet broadcasts and transmissions.
The Bill reminiscent of the Social Media Bill was introduced during the Eighth Assembly, but some Nigerians who thought it intended to stifle freedom of expression rejected it.
Similarly, Senator Shehu Sani, has said the newly introduced bill on the regulation of social media posed a grave threat and danger to freedom of speech and expression in the country.
Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial district, in the 8th Assembly made his views known in a statement on Wednesday.
He contended that the plan to regulate the social media was aimed at silencing critics and dissenting voices.
Sani, who is the current Executive Director African Centre for Peace and Development, noted that any law which aims at limiting the rights and freedoms of citizens to express their views is aimed at “building a tower of tyranny,” and urged the legislators not to aid and abet the executive desire to shut out dissenting views.
“It is ironic for a Government that came to power on the promise of protecting the fundamental rights of Nigerians is now reneging and sliding towards totalitarianism.
“Silencing dissent endangers democracy. Combatting hate speech is a smokescreen to annihilating free speech.
“Disobedience to court orders demonizes a country and criminalizes a Government,” Sani said.
