In spite of criticism trailing the ongoing bill by the Senate to censor social media in the country, Senate President Bukola Saraki on Thursday vowed that the Red Chamber would not back down from passing the proposed law.
Saraki, who noted that social media was a major ingredient for the growth of democracy in the country, however, said the Senate could no longer ignore the fact that it was being abused by some elements.
Speaking yesterday when Senator Dino Melaye (APC/Kogi West) raised the issue under matters of urgent importance, during the day’s plenary, the Senate president lamented activities of some social media platforms, which he said, had published numerous materials to undermine the integrity of the red chamber.
While faulting the backlash the proposed social media censorship bill has generated, Senate President Saraki insisted that senators cannot be blackmailed to drop the bill.
Saraki, while acknowledging the excesses of some of the social media users, however, stressed the existence of freedom of speech in the nation’s law book.
Even as he advised that the social media should be fair and accurate in their reportage, Saraki said the Senate cannot let “a few bad eggs” taint the image of the social media.
“People must be held responsible for their action. I believe what has been raised is important”, Saraki said.