The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the Federal Government’s move to regulate social media in Nigeria.
Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary described the attempt as unconstitutional, anti-people and attempt to silence Nigeria.
He said that the attempt to censor the social media was targeted at muzzling outspoken Nigerians.
This, according to him, is particularly against youths, media and civil society organisations demanding accountability and competence from the government.
Ologbondiyan said it would also silence citizens from exposing cases of corruption, injustice, human rights abuses and constitutional violations by government officials.
“Our party rejects the claims that the regulation bill is targeted at checking fake news.
“This is because our nation already has enough implementable laws to counter the dissemination of fake news and punish offenders.’’
Ologbondiyan said that instead of curtailing citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights, the government should rather take steps to reassure Nigerians of efforts to address corruption, treasury looting, abuse of human rights, nepotism and unaccountability.
He advised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to become more accountable, particularly in exposing corrupt officials including those alleged to be involved in the diversion of funds voted for COVID-19 palliatives.
Ologbondiyan said while the PDP did not in any way condone the dissemination of fake news, it rejected the attempt to hide under fake news to use regulation of social media for selfish political reasons.
