Shehu Sani reacts to new social media bill

A former member of the Senate, Shehu Sani, has said the social media bill currently before the Red Chamber is a threat to Nigerians’ human rights.

Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, and presently the Executive Director, African Centre for Peace and Development, stated this in a statement on Wednesday.

The former lawmaker wondered why President Muhammadu Buhari who got to power in 2015 due largely to social media support was now trying to gag activities on the platform.

He said: “The Bill on the regulation of social media poses a serious threat and danger to freedom of speech and expression.

“The quest to regulate social media is a grand plan to silence critics and dissenting voices. Combating hate speech is a smokescreen to annihilate free speech.

“Any law aimed at limiting the rights and freedoms of citizens to express their views is aimed at building a tower of tyranny.

“It’s ironic that a government that came to power on the promise of protecting the fundamental rights of Nigerians is now reneging and sliding towards totalitarianism.

“Silencing dissent endangers democracy.”

Sani opined that President Buhari, a former victim of abuse of power, must be conscious of his place in history and legacies on human rights and the rule of law.

He added: “Disobedience of court orders demonises a country and criminalises a government.

“Nigeria’s democracy is threatened by the authoritarian tendencies of the people in power.”

He demanded the immediate release of Omoyele Sowore and all those still being held despite a valid court order.

“There is a cloud of fear over our country and the moral flag of our democracy is lowered to half-staff. There is the urgency to defend our freedom and democracy against those standing against it,” he said.