Following widespread outrage over plans to censor social media use in Nigeria, some Senators have lamented the abuse of the platforms.
The lamentation session is currently ongoing at the Senate plenary with Senator Dino Melaye taking the fore.
Melaye started the discussion by launching a Point of Order against online platform, Sahara Reporters for ‘blackmail and intimidation'.
He said further that the platform is ‘a threat to democracy with their continued act of insubordination.’
Another Senator, Biodun Olujimi said that she had to exit all social media platforms because of the continued lies and falsehood peddled around adding that a scapegoat has to be made as deterrent for others.
Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, on his part, added he was once blackmailed that he was buying vehicles for terrorist when he was just supporting his constituents.
The discussion was concluded by Senate President, Bukola Saraki who said that though online media is a major addition to the democratic discourse, it should not be abused.
He added that there should be fair approach & accurate report of stories and people must be responsible for their actions.
The Senate became the centre of controversy yesterday, December 2, 2015, when it was revealed that it planned to jail social media critics for two years.
READ: Nigerians express anger at plans to jail social media critics
The bill was sponsored by Kebbi State Senator, Ibn Na’allah.
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