In the wake of mounting public scrutiny, 2023 Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has voiced vehement opposition to the proposed regulation of social media in Nigeria advocated by Chief of Staff to Bola Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, stating that we’ll resist any attempt to gag Masses.
Rhodes-Vivour, condemned any attempt to stifle the masses’ ability to speak truth to power.
Citing concerns over hunger and insecurity gripping the nation, Rhodes-Vivour questioned the priorities of lawmakers, particularly focusing on Gbajabiamila’s sudden advocacy for social media regulation. He asserted, “As long as we live in a constitutional democracy where freedom to think and speak are guaranteed by the constitution, the attempt to unjustly regulate social media stands condemned and will be stiffly resisted.”
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Highlighting existing laws for defamation and libel, Rhodes-Vivour criticized the focus on social media regulation, suggesting it stems from politicians’ discomfort with their inability to control the narrative as they do with traditional media. He also expressed a desire to expunge archaic laws that hinder free speech.