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Desmond Elliot blames social media for looting, vandalism in Lagos

Lagos lawmakers raised a committee to conduct inspection of looted and vandalised areas across the state.

• October 26, 2020
Desmond Elliot
Photo of Desmond Elliot, member of Lagos House of Assembly (Credit: Twitter)

Desmond Elliot, a member of Lagos House of Assembly from Surulere I, on Monday blamed the crisis that engulfed the nation’s commercial capital on the activities of social media influencers.

Mr. Elliot said the so-called influencers churned out misinformation at a dizzying rate, and promptly asked that such activities should be regulated. 
Mr. Elliot’s suggestion came when lawmakers debated the violence that engulfed the state last week. They set up an ad-hoc committee to inspect damages and recommend sustainable solutions. 

The movie actor was slammed for his suggestion on social media, with critics describing him as belonging to the same class of tyrants who had long sought to curb citizens’ constitutional rights to free speech and expression. He denied the allegations in a video Monday evening, saying he never called for a regulation of social media.

The House also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify the move for the creation of state police.

Members of the ad-hoc panel include: Wasiu Sanni-Eshinlokun, Abiodun Tobun, Rotimi Olowo, Ajani Owolabi, Ganiyu Okanlawon, Victor Akande, Rasheed Makinde, Ibrahim Layode and Akeem Shokunle.

The House had embarked on the inspection tours of the scenes of the carnage which include the Lagos High Court, BRT Oyingbo Terminal, Fagba, Isokoko and Pen Cinema Police Stations, Oba Akiolu Palace, City Hall and Public Works Corporation.

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