Nigeria’s senate was again at the center of controversy yesterday, December 2, 2015, when it was reported that a bill to censor the use of social media had passed the second reading.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibn Na’Allah of Kebbi South proposed a two-year jail term for the abuse of social media with the option of a N4 million fine.
Nigerians have reacted with outrage to the controversial bill using the hashtag #NoToSocialMediaBill.
If dis is d Senator,den am sorry he lack Social Ethics,So don’t blame him Pls,S.M is ntn 2 him #NoToSocialMediaBillpic.twitter.com/5dpHW7jM47
— Mayourspeaks (@Mayourspeaks) December 2, 2015
Social media bill is unjust, we are obligated to say #notosocialmediabillpic.twitter.com/VeL5hI6Pih
— Wuyi (@owuyi) December 2, 2015
They used Twitter to campaign & win elections now they’re passing a bill to gag social media #NoToSocialMediaBillpic.twitter.com/JXq6I3QlyR
— #TheSpecialOne (@Skiwo) December 3, 2015
Dear Nigerian Senators, don’t let d devil use u. Before u pass that bill,remember Arab Spring #NoToSocialMediaBillpic.twitter.com/DLzcW8WYR2
— Ali George (@aligthebaptist) December 2, 2015
So to complain about something bad even customer service, I need court affidavit, lai lai oh #NoToSocialMediaBill
— Adegbenga Agoro (@adegbengaagoro) December 3, 2015
My people! My people! They must not pass that bill o. Even your business that you are promoting online will suffer #NoToSocialMediaBill
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) December 3, 2015
Guys, let’s do this!!!!! #NoToSocialMediaBill#LeaveOurFreedom !!!! https://t.co/fBsUzo2ZGM
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) December 3, 2015
You won’t have your way @APCNigeria . You can’t gag the media. You can’t shut us up. Face reality #NoToSocialMediaBill
— Nnaemeka Ezeribe (@utuakpa) December 2, 2015
If this, is still a democracy, then freedom of expression has to exist. We say a BIG #NOtosocialmediabillpic.twitter.com/QrUz0SG2Fp
— Wuyi (@owuyi) December 2, 2015
I’m just here wondering if we are about to become north Korea #NoToSocialMediaBill
— schwarzen hengst (@antonio_zimo) December 2, 2015
Although the Senate released a statement to clarify the bill
Nigerians are still on twitter to voice their displeasure what is viewed as a potential attack on freedom of speech.
