‘I Believe In Liberty Of Expression’, Says Senator Sponsoring Social Network Costs
He stated this on Wednesday while explaining the concept behind the proposed costs.
According to him, the factor for proposing the expense had nothing to do with gagging the press.
“My reason for bringing this expense really is not to gag the press, I believe in the freedom of expression or freedom of speech,” he stated on Channels TELEVISION’s Politics Today.
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He, however, described that info spreads at the speed of light on social networks and some people have benefited from that to spread incorrect news.
“I am one person that thinks in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I believe likewise in the fundamental liberty of everybody and for every Nigerian to reveal his consider as he wants.
“The social media is a kind of network that disseminates information at the speed of light and for that factor, whatever we will do as a nation or country, we should be guided by some ethical conduct.
“In using social networks today, you can see what has been occurring,” he said.
Musa even more explained that although the Constitution permits liberty of expression, some regulative steps need to be put in place to suppress the menace of phony news.
“As much as the Constitution guarantees this freedom, the Constitution also provides some adequate stipulations, that will protect from any abuse of these laws.
“So, my expense is not to gag the press, however the manage in a manner in which we can perform ourselves in the most civilized method using the web,” he stated.
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His remarks come hours after the bill passed its 2nd reading at the flooring of the Senate.
This is despite opposition to the proposed legislation by Nigerian residents who believe that the expense looks for to suppress free speech.
During the debate, only one lawmaker, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani opposed the costs. He argued that there is legislation in the country specifically the Cyber Crimes Act which addresses internet fallacy.
The Senate, however, directed its Committee on Judiciary to work on the costs and return in 4 weeks.
This content was originally published here.