Tunde Bakare backs Buhari, demands regulation of social media in Nigeria
Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Citadel Global Community Church has backed the Buhari administration’s attempts to regulate social media in Nigeria.
Mr. Bakare’s position could enrage free speech advocates who have been pushing back against President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to control speech on social media.
Information minister Lai Mohammed was widely ridiculed when he disclosed the government’s resolve to control social media before a House committee last week.
On Monday morning, youth minister Sunday Dare echoed Mr. Mohammed on Channels, saying the National Assembly will do justice to the proposed regulation of social media to guard against the spread of fake news.
Mr. Bakare suggested on Arise TV Monday morning that social media should be regulated by Nigerian authorities and that posts of users be limited to promoting the country.
When asked of his position on the regulation of social media against the backdrop of #EndSARS campaign, Mr. Bakare said: “Everything in life including your freedom and my freedom without boundary is dangerous.
“I am not asking for excessive regulations where citizens will be banished but we must find a way within our law to use social media productively and not to fill it with false news and negative news that can incite people or bring chaos into the society.
“We must use all these tools to advance the development of our nation and progress of our people.”
Mr. Bakare, who was the running mate of the presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 Presidential election, says he is prepared to lead this country if he is supported by the populace.
He called out the Buhari-led administration, describing unfulfilled promises as “disastrous.” He urged the President to acknowledge and apologize for the Lekki Massacre and ensure justice is dispensed to the affected persons and their families.
He then proceeded to lay blame on the protesters for creating discomfort as a result of the blocked roads and for the apparent lack of leadership, and refusal to negotiate with the government.
The administration ramped up its call for social media regulation following the success of #EndSars campaign against police brutality.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Stock market reverses gains, sheds N801 billion on profit-taking
Despite the overall decline, market breadth remained positive, with 37 gainers against 28 losers.
States
Anambra launches plea bargain, excludes murder, kidnapping, rape cases
Mr Nweke said the initiative was part of the state government’s efforts to decongest correctional centres and courts.
NationWide
NAPTIP warns social media, fake job scams fuelling human trafficking
Ms Adamu-Bello said traffickers were increasingly exploiting social media platforms to lure vulnerable individuals.
States
NAFDAC arrests suspected counterfeit alcohol producer in Benin
During questioning by officials at the scene, Mr Okafor admitted producing three alcoholic drink brands, including Eagle, Lord, and Chelsea.
NationWide
Reps probe mining marshals over alleged ₦2 billion in ex-commander’s account
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu mandated the committee to submit its report within four weeks for further legislative action.
States
Bayelsa deputy governor urges women to champion social change
He said women played critical roles in nation-building.
