Senate Withdraws Clause Prescribing 7-Yrs Jail Term For Social Media Critics
The section stipulates a
seven-year jail for people who intentionally publish slanderous messages about
government electronically.
“Anyone who intentionally
propagates false information that could threaten the security of the country or
capable of inciting the general public against the government through
electronic message shall be guilty of an offense.
“And upon conviction shall be
sentenced to seven years imprisonment or N5 million fine”.
Kaka, who announced this to
newsmen, said the decision was taken after due consultation with stakeholders.
“Following the public hearing
which was held after the second reading, the section 13 (3) of the provision
was taken exception to by the social media.
“And since the bill is now in the
public, I decided to consult with the Senate Committee Chairman on Information,
Media and Public Affairs, and that of Judiciary.
“After consultations, we resolved
that section 13 (3) of the proposed bill could be abused at any point in time
and could be misinterpreted.
“And as a result, I have their
permission to announce to the world that that section shall be deleted,” Kaka,
who sponsored the bill, said
The bill is entitled: “A bill for
an Act to provide for the prohibition of and punishment for electronic fraud
and crime in all electronic transactions in Nigeria”.
The bill passed through the
second reading in the senate and was greeted with a lot of criticism from the
social media.
Kaka expressed gratitude for all
the contributions made both locally and internationally, adding that they
further enriched the bill.
He added that more suggestions
and debates concerning the bill would still be welcomed, to further enrich it
in the overall interest of the country.
The lawmaker emphasized that the
bill was not to gag the media but rather targeted against the misuse of the
Internet, to curb the activities of scammers. (NAN)
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