Social Media Bill Scales Second Reading In Senate

A Bill to regulate the use of social media by Nigerians on Wednesday scaled second reading in Senate.

The controversial Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to make provisions for the protection from internet falsehood and manipulations and for related matters, 2019,” was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East.

In his debate, Senator Musa, said it has become imperative to curb the excesses of those using the social media to cause disaffection and assassination of character through fake news.

“The hoax about the death of President Muhammadu Buhari in London and his replacement with Jibril from Sudan was a great threat to the peace and security of this country,” Musa said.

Senators Ibrahim Gobir, Ishaku Clifford Elisha Abbo, Abba Moro and Bala Ibn Na’Allah supported the Bill.

However, only Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu East), strongly opposed the Bill.

When the Bill was put to voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Senators approved it for second reading.

Lawan referred the Bill to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative work.