Proposed Social Media Bill A Threat To Human Rights – Shehu Sani Claims

Human right activist, Shehu Sani, has claimed that the social media bill in the Senate is a threat to the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

The former lawmaker representing the Kaduna Central Senatorial District made this claim in a statement on Wednesday.

The Executive Director, African Centre for Peace and Development, wondered why President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration who came into power in 2015 through support on social media is now trying to gag their activities.

He said, “The Bill on the regulation of social media poses a serious threat and danger to freedom of speech and expression.”

“The quest to regulate social media is a grand plan to silence critics and dissenting voices.”

“Combatting hate speech is a smokescreen to annihilate free speech.”

Senator Sani stated that the aimed of the bill is to limit the rights and freedoms of Nigerians to express their views and aimed at building a tower of tyranny.

“It’s ironic that a government that came to power on the promise of protecting the fundamental rights of Nigerians is now reneging and sliding towards totalitarianism.”

He charged President Buhari who had once been a victim of abuse of power to be aware of his place in history and legacies on human rights and the rule of law.

The former lawmaker added that disobedience of court orders demonises a country and criminalises a government.

Sani claimed that the country’s democracy is threatened by the authoritarian tendencies of the people in power.

He called for the immediate release of the convener of the Revolution Now movement, Omoyele Sowore and others who are being held despite a court order.

Sani demanded the immediate release of Omoyele Sowore and all those still being held despite a valid court order.

He said, “There is a cloud of fear over our country and the moral flag of our democracy is lowered to half staff.

“There is the urgency to defend our freedom and democracy against those standing against it.”