Governors and monarchs in the South-West region are requesting approval of the social media regulation. The meeting of the governors, traditional rulers and a presidential delegation was held in Lagos on Sunday. The leaders expressed grief over the negative impact of the spread of fake news on social media especially surrounding events of the #ENDSARS protest.
‘We recognize the damaging and negative impact of fake/false news and worry about its destructive and dangerous potency of fake news,’ the statement reads.
‘We call on the federal government to use the instrumentality of existing laws and those regulations bench-marked from other countries to provide safeguards against the spread of fake news. 2015 Cyber Act will also be fully used.’
Attendants at the meeting also urged the Federal Government to ensure that ‘technology is used effectively for the advancement of the Nigerian Security and not its destruction by working with the technology cum social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.’
The leaders urged the FG to address the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) demands so that students will resume the academic year.
The meeting was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, and Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, and ministers from the region were also present at the meeting.
Others include Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, and more.
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Muhammed Adamu, the Inspector General of Police, had earlier stated that the country is sitting on a keg of gunpowder if the issue of fake news is not urgently addressed. The social media regulation was also supported by northern governors. However, it was condemned by civil society organizations as violence of right to free speech.
Peace Omenka.
