Social Media Invoice threatens Nigeria’s democracy – NGOs warn Senate

Partnership for Media and Democracy in Nigeria (PAMED), a coalition of NGOs, has referred to as on the Senate to drop the Social Media Invoice 2015 earlier than it so as to not stand towards the desire of the individuals.
PAMED stated the decision turned crucial as a result of “the invoice is a menace to democracy in Nigeria.’’
This name is contained in a press release collectively signed by members of PAMED – the Institute of Media and Society (IMESO), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), and the Worldwide Press Centre (IPC).
The assertion is signed by Dr Akin Akingbulu, Government Director, IMESO, Mr Edetaen Ojo, Government Director, MRA, and Mr ‘Lanre Arogundade, Director, IPC.



The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) recollects that controversy had continued to path the invoice sponsored by Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah, (APC – Kebbi South).
The group, whereas citing examples from sections three and four of the invoice, contended that “it seeks to gag each the press and most of the people from expressing views and opinions.
“If the invoice turns into regulation, it might infringe on human rights to freedom of expression as globally recognised.’’
The group held that the invoice utterly negated necessary worldwide conventions to which Nigeria was a signatory and which all affirmed the correct of residents to carry opinion, freely categorical themselves and freely disseminate info.
Additionally they stated that the invoice was a subjugation of the structure which the Senate swore to uphold.
It said that senators have been representatives of the individuals and must be held accountable by the individuals they served by answering questions and responding to their criticisms.
“PAMED has come to the conclusion that the invoice constitutes a menace to democracy as a result of it seeks to repress the social media, the traditional media, the civil society and the citizenry as an entire. “Within the mild of all of the urgent improvement challenges confronting the nation, which ought to be the priorities of the Senators and all different individuals exercising any type of political energy or authority, the PAMED is of the view that the invoice itself is frivolous and unwarranted.
“The invoice, by means of its frivolous content material and malicious intent, seeks to realize nothing aside from undermining freedom of expression, press freedom, public participation in governance and democracy.
“PAMED, subsequently, affirms that the invoice violates all of the norms of democratic practise, freedom of expression, press freedom, transparency and accountability in addition to open governance.’’ (NAN)

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