Social Media Space Needs “Clean Up” – APC Chair, Oyegun

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has expressed support for the infamous Frivolous Petitions and Other Matters Bill, otherwise known as Social Media Bill, which has recently passed second reading at the Senate.

The bill sponsored by Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC – Kebbi South) seeks to, among other things, punish anyone convicted of falsely accusing government officials of corruption allegations with either seven years’ imprisonment or N2 million fine or both.

While Nigerians have expressed consternation at the bill, the APC chairman speaking to the media in Abuja on Wednesday said the bill was necessary to “clean up” the social media space.

According to him, “The social media space needed clean up as the use of outright abuses and insults instead of constructive criticisms was wrong”.

Many of the Nigerians who have expressed their dissatisfaction with the bill said they view it as an attempt by the legislature to remove their right to free speech and encourage a culture of impunity.