Freedom of speech in Nigeria has been a thing of concern since the recent administration came into power. From arresting journalists for reporting controversial. You put your life on the line once you speak up about the ills of the present administration which is then tagged hate speech.
The Nigerian senate introduced a bill titled, ‘Titled Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill 2019 (SB 132), it brings a government hammer into conversations hosted on social media platforms. The bill was sponsored by Muhammadu Sani Musa, a senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
A similar bill was introduced to the Senate on March 2018 for consideration and passage. It, however, did not make it through to third reading. The bill rose it’s a head above water recently and has generated a lot of controversies amongst Nigerians. The bill goes against the Nigerian constitution which allows for freedom of speech. The bill would see that anyone who is a perpetrator of hate speech would have to pay a fine of up to N300,000 or three years imprisonment for individuals and N10 million for corporate organizations.
A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has also cautioned Nigerian senators against moves to pass the bill.
He said the freedom of speech and other key elements of civil liberties which Nigerians enjoyed between 1999 and 2015 should not be taken away by the current administration.
Read also: Hate Speech Bill: United Nations speaks against Death penalty
The bill has caused a rise in concerns in citizens as they took to social media to display their displeasure. Citizens in Nigeria do not participate in protests because they fear for their safety. They found solace on social media where they can express their grievances without fear of getting hurt. Now the government wants to take that away. If journalists cannot report without fear and citizens can not protest or air their opinions online, then we must ask if we are operating a democracy.
A prominent defender of the bill is Senator Elisha Abbo who earlier in the year was caught on a CCTV recording where he slapped a store attendant in a sex toy. The video circulated around social media and has shown the power the medium has in exposing people.
This bill is just another way to curtail Nigerian citizens when it comes to expressing their strong, controversial political views.
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