Breaking news: Plot through Law to Gag Social Media passes Second Reading

The controversial Social Media Bill has scaled the second reading in the National Assembly, sparking widespread concern among Nigerians and civil society groups.

The bill, which aims to regulate social media and online activities in Nigeria, was introduced to the National Assembly earlier this year and has been met with intense opposition from various stakeholders.

During the second reading, lawmakers debated the bill, with some arguing that it is necessary to prevent the spread of false information and promote online safety, while others expressed concerns that it could infringe on freedom of speech and expression.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, seeks to empower the Nigerian government to regulate social media platforms, online news sites, and other online media outlets. It also proposes penalties for individuals and organizations that spread false information, including fines and imprisonment.

The bill’s passage to the second reading has been condemned by civil society groups, who argue that it could be used to silence dissenting voices and stifle online freedom.

“This bill is a threat to our democracy and our fundamental human rights,” said a spokesperson for the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC). “We urge lawmakers to reject this bill and prioritize the protection of freedom of speech and expression.”

The bill will now be sent to a committee for review, where it will undergo further scrutiny and debate. If it passes the committee stage, it will proceed to the third reading, where it will be debated and voted on by the National Assembly.

Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opposition to the bill, using the hashtag #SayNoToSocialMediaBill to voice their concerns.

“We will not stand idly by while our government tries to stifle our freedom of speech,” said one Twitter user. “We demand that our lawmakers reject this bill and protect our rights.”

The development has also sparked international concern, with human rights organizations and media watchdogs calling on the Nigerian government to reject the bill.

“The Social Media Bill is a clear attempt to restrict freedom of expression and stifle online dissent,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. “We urge the Nigerian government to prioritize human rights and reject this bill.”

The bill will now be referred to the senate committee on judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further hearing. If passed into law the bill could have significant implications for online freedom of expression