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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, has backed the regulation of social media in the country.
Recall that Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, had recently said social media must be regulated in the country.
According to Gbajabiamila, social media has become a societal menace capable of causing a great danger, not just in the society, but even unintended consequences to the individuals that are receiving information which may include security of life.
However, Amnesty International and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have criticised the recently reintroduced social media regulation bill and urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to reject it.
They said the bill would “unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.”
But throwing his weight behind the move to regulate social media via a post on his X account on Sunday, Fayose said users with good intentions have nothing to fear.
“The truth we must all face is that we can’t keep operating an unregulated Social Media. Usage must be regulated in line with law for both platform owners and users.
“Social Media has become very important to our existence no doubt, but there must be regulations guiding its usage.
The world over, Social Media is playing major roles in crime fighting and Nigeria is not an exception.
“However, good as the Social Media has become, the level of its abuse and use for misinformation is worrisome. No society or responsible government will fold its arms at these excesses. It is being done in other countries.
“Though it is normal for Nigerians to be suspicious of govt regulations, but users with good intentions has nothing to fear,” the former governor wrote.