Despite the raging criticisms on the proposed censorship of the social media space, the Nigerian Senate through his President, Bukola Saraki has vowed that the legislature would not bow to pressure on the proposed law.
Saraki, who acknowledged the roles of the social media in the development of the country’s growing democracy, however, said the Senate would not fold its hand to allowed it abused by some elements.
Speaking Thursday, when Senator Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West, raised the issue under matters of urgent importance, during the day’s plenary, the Senate President berated activities of some social media platforms, which he said, had published numerous materials to undermine the integrity of the Red Chamber.
While flaying the criticisms that have greeted the proposed social media censorship bill, Sarakiinsisted that senators cannot be blackmailed to drop the bill.
Saraki, while acknowledging the excesses of some of the social media operators, however, acknowledged the existence of freedom of speech in the nation’s law book.
Even as he advised that the social media should be fair and accurate in their reportage, Saraki said the Senate cannot let `a few bad eggs’ taint the image of the social media.
“People must be held responsible for their action. I believe what has been raised is important,”Saraki said.
