Buhari Distances Self From Social Media Bill

ABUJA – President Buhari has distanced himself from the social media bill currently before the senate which proposes to jail anyone who posts information that paints politicians and public holders in bad light.

He made his stance known yesterday through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, who stated that the principle of the bill was inconsistent with democratic ideals of free speech enshrined in the constitution of the land.

He added that he had sworn to protect and uphold the dictates of the constitution and would not in anyway go against it.

President Buhari, however, stated that he was “not averse to lawful regulation, so long as that is done within the ambit of the constitution” which he swore to uphold, noting that free speech was central to democratic societies anywhere in the world.

“The President won’t assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria,” he said.

He further explained that without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about governance issues.

“As a key component of democratic principles are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might,” he said.

Shehu explained that President Buhari was fully aware of the public reservations about the proposed legislation but assured that there was no cause for alarm “because the Senate is a democratic Senate.

The bill, however, has passed second reading in the Senate.

Source: Vanguard Newspaper