Not less than sixty groups, organisation, and individuals have indicated interest to speak for or against the controversial social media bill entitled: “protection from internet Falsehood, Manipulations and other related matters bill, 2019 (SB 123).
The public hearing which is ongoing at the time of this report had the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan calling on all participants at the public hearing to interrogate both sides of the divide on the bill which has generated diverse public interests.
Lawan said speakers for or against the bill should keep an open mind and listen to each other on the merit and demerit of the internet and its usage by members of the public.
He said the internet has made communication faster and cheaper but has also made information less trusting because of the activities of unethical behaviour by some users.
The President of the Senate said the National Assembly will make its a decision on the preponderance of public views.
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In his remark, the Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi said the Senate would rely on the public to make her decision.
Sponsor of the bill, Sani Musa (Niger East) while advancing reasons for the passage of the bill said while he would want the bill passed to secure the nation from posts that may compromise national security and expose kids to inappropriate posts online, he would cede to stepping down of the bill in the overriding public interests.
Some of the institutions include the NUJ, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Press Centre, National Communications Commission, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Intelligence Agency, National Security Adviser, etc.
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