In a bid to keep his constituents abreast of his stance on the two controversial Bills (Social Media Regulation and Hate Speech Bills), the senator representing Kwara Central at the Red Chamber, Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe in a marathon interview with a pressure group Elites Network For Sustainable Development, ENetSuD succinctly said that the bills will result in sheer violation of constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of expression for the Nigerians populace.
The lawmaker however attested to the fact that social media come with some dark sides, adding that nevertheless the penalty as proposed by the bill is too inhuman.
He disclosed that according citizen people freedom of speech attracts some medical, religious and political benefits.
“The social media Bill explanations are extracted from countries that are not practicing full democracy. It is difficult for the Bill to scale through in the National Assembly. I can tell you majority are not in support”.
“Why will you put serious penalties for social media and hate speech and leave serious offences with lighter penalties?”
“Regulating social media should not be our priority now. We should focus on job creation and empowerment for youths. If youths are gainfully employed, they will not have time to be addicted to social media,” Senator Oloriegbe added.
In his conclusion, the medical doctor turned politician noted that he cannot lend credence to the bill since it is not in consonance with the custom and social norms of the constituency he represents at the Senate.
