Lai Mohammed restates government’s plan to “regulate” social media
The federal government has again restated its plan to regulate the use of social media in Nigeria, saying there was need to and not shut it down.
Information and Culture minister Lai Mohammed reporters on Saturday in Lagos said “we will not fold our arms to allow purveyors of fake news and hate speech to use the social media to destabilise the country.”
The minister was in Lagos to assess the damage at the premises of the Nation newspaper and TV Continental which were vandalised during the #EndSARS protest.
Mr. Muhammed said despite his call regulation of social media, Muhammadu Buhari administration has high regards for freedom of the press.
“We did not at any time say that we will shut down the social media.
“However, we must regulate the social media in a manner that it does not become a purveyor of fake news and hate speech,” he said.
The minister had on October 8 solicited the support of the National Assembly in formulating a national policy on use of social media.
While defending the 2021 budget proposal of the Information sector of his ministry, Mr. Mohammed said fake news and misinformation are serious and major challenges confronting the nation.
(NAN)
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.”
States
Oyo APC raises reconciliation committee to reconcile aggrieved members after primaries
Mr Sadare said, “It is hoped that this effort will bring about the desired peace and unity for our great party to win big at the polls next year.”
Sport
Nigerian athletes win 14 medals at CAA Region II championships
He said Nigeria’s dominance was most evident on the track, as sprinters swept several titles across the U-18 and U-20 categories.
States
Former deputy governor of Bauchi loses two children in auto crash
Mr Tela, also a former senator, lost two of his children in an accident along the Bauchi-Azare road on Saturday.
Health
Gynaecologist warns against misuse of pregnancy prevention drugs
He explained that while contraceptives effectively prevent pregnancy, each method has potential side effects and requires appropriate medical guidance.
States
Prioritise good leadership over zoning, Plateau APC chair tells residents
He said people often sacrificed good leaders at the altar of zoning arrangements.
Politics
U.S. govt will closely monitor Nigeria’s 2027 elections: Riley Moore
“What I’d say is that we’re certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections unfold and how they’re executed,” he said.
