The bill seeking to regulate social media activities has passed second reading on the floor of the Senate.
The bill titled ‘Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation 2019’ passed second reading after its sponsor, Sani Musa, senator representing Niger east, moved a motion for a debate on the proposed law.
Senator Musa said it has become imperative to curb the excesses of those using social media to cause disaffection and assassination of character through fake news.
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“The hoax about the death of President Muhammadu Buhari in London and his replacement with Jibril from Sudan was a great threat to the peace and security of this country,” Musa said.
Senators Ibrahim Gobir, Ishaku Clifford Elisha Abbo, Abba Moro and Bala Ibn Na’Allah supported the Bill.
However, only Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu East), strongly opposed the Bill.
When the Bill was put to a voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Senators approved it for second reading.
Lawan, however, referred the Bill to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative work.
The proposed legislation was widely criticised following its introduction to the upper legislative chamber two weeks ago.
