Amnesty International criticized Femi Gbajabiamila, the chief of staff to Bola Tinubu, for advocating the regulation of social media, labeling it as “dangerous and oppressive.”
The human rights organization attributed the reintroduction of the law to Sada Soli, an APC lawmaker from Katsina.
According to Amnesty, the bill aims to violate Nigerians’ human rights and stifle civil society in the country.
“The bill poses a direct and serious threat to human rights and would exacerbate restriction of civic space, the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association as well as media freedom in Nigeria,” Amnesty International stated, condemning the APC’s latest attempt to regulate social media amidst economic hardship and hunger.
Amnesty International pledged to vigorously campaign against the repressive bill, criticizing Mr. Tinubu and his party for prioritizing social media regulation over laws that could improve citizens’ lives, in contradiction to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).
Mr. Gbajabiamila’s call for social media regulation came amidst public outrage and protests sparked by economic hardship and insecurity in the country.
“The social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated. As many people do not understand that once the send button is hit, there is a potential to reach millions of people around the world, which is capable of causing a great danger not just in the society but even unintended consequences to the individuals that are receiving information which may include security of life,” Mr. Tinubu remarked.
Tinubu and Gbajabiamila faced heavy criticism from citizens demanding action on insecurity, poverty, and hunger caused by government policies.
Over the years, Nigerians have utilized social media for national discussions, expressing various opinions, mobilizing protests, and criticizing politicians and government policies, while political parties have used it for campaigning, propaganda, and spreading fake news.
The ‘European Union Election Observation Mission NIGERIA 2023 Final Report’ identified aviation minister Festus Keyamo and Fani Kayode as notable purveyors of fake news during the 2023 general elections.
A previous bill aimed at regulating social media under former president Muhammadu Buhari, failed due to backlash from Nigerians, who feared it could be exploited to silence public opinion.