A Special Aide to President Buhari, Garba Shehu has thrown his weight behind the call for the regulation of socialedia which he says has led to violence and deaths.
Speaking at a media award conference organized by Kawararafa Reporters, Garba Shehu stated that the Nigerian government is not against free speech but against the use of social media to cause havoc.
“For instance, the entire Kasuwan Magani saga that resulted in the death of more than 50 people was because someone posted misleading information on WhatsApp that went viral.
“In United Kingdom, the parliament has received a report on social media. There is a youth addiction to it, just like cigarettes. Without any form of control, it has done harm to women, ethnic minorities, individuals, institutions and countries.
“All countries in the world are trying to make laws to check the excesses. Many countries are trying to control the situation. The Europeans have placed a new law that holds the companies responsible.
Garba Shehu added that the social media was never anticipated by the Nigerian constitution which is why there is a need to tackle hate speech.
“The federal government is saying that stakeholders should come together and agree on regulation. We know that no matter how bad the situation it favours someone.
“Some have argued that our constitution already has laws in libel, but the laws of the ‘60s never anticipated social media.
“No government has the right to muzzle freedom of speech. We don’t support the taking of lives as punishment. People insult others and share false information on social media. I hope that hate speech will be tackled so that Nigeria will be a sane place to live in.”