Hate speech and Social Media bill leads to mass protest in 21 out of 36 States in Nigeria

In a society that claims to be developing, yet rife with fundamental problems, placing a ban or embargo on the one thing that we actually have is the exact opposite of progressive. Such is the case in Nigeria, where certain members of the Senate are champion bills that will potentially impede freedom of speech.

Earlier in November, Senator Sabi Abdullahi and other members sponsoring the bill cited many reasons for the absurd bill that will potentially mean the Death Penalty for anyone found guilty of "Hate Speech". This absurd bill, according to the Senator is also due to the fact that existing laws do not tackle the issue properly

Fast forward a few days later and another bill, that's equally absurd and clearly not thought out was proposed to the same Senate. This one was termed the social media bill. This disgusting bill amongst others proposed that a fine of 300 Thousand Naira(roughly $900) be placed on any individual found guilty of spreading falsities on social media and 10million Naira(about $30k) if its a company.

source

The Irony

Most Nigerian politicians are the worst of the worst and to get into most positions of power, it involves employing dirty tricks and lots of violence. When it comes to dirty tricks and social media antics, no one even comes close to these sleazebags who nick a living and do absolutely nothing to warrant their exorbitant lifestyles.

A case and point is Senator Elisha Abbo of Adamawa State who is an avid proponent of the Social Media bill.

You see, this man was clearly caught in a sex toy shop assaulting the owner of the shop. In the video below, you can clearly see him in the shop with men of the Nigerian Police, who are also the worst watching on as he beats this woman like the maniac he is.

According to an article on BBC Pigin, he explained why he did what he did

"But I want to say again say dem assault my sista, knock her down, beat her up, so na dat one make me take di action wey I take. Di tin be say one lady attack me beat me up, so I gave her a dose of it."

Translation

I want to say again that they assaulted my sister, knocked her down and beat her up, so that's what made me take the action. The issue is one lady attack me, beat me up, so I gave her a dose of it"

He further talked about how these events occurred before he became a senator and insinuated people are trying to tarnish his image with the clip, claiming they're "painting him black".

No Sir, the reality is that you're a terrible human who took the law into your own hands and should equally face charges of assault and violent conduct. No surprise you're championing the social media and hate speech bill. This is what he had to say about the social media bill;

"The issue of fake news in this country, if it’s not regulated is a cancer waiting to consume all of us. Even conventional media that are regulated are suffering from falsehood.
"If we cannot regulate the spread of falsehood, it will consume all of us tomorrow," source

Sorry sir but you've lost all credibility to speak but look on the bright side, at least now you can simply kill anyone who exposes you for the monster you truly are. He was granted bail of just 5 million Naira, which is what he earns in 1 week and is currently seated amongst other lawmakers, trying to "make Nigeria a better place".

This, of course, has led to widespread protests all over the country and on social media as well. The #notosocialmediabill, as well as protests in 20 out of 36 states in Nigeria that occurred on the backdrop of these events. Numerous Nigerians, high profile politicians, human rights activists, and popular figures took to the streets and on the internet to show their disapproval of the absurd bill that seeks to kill freedom of speech, a fundamental human right. Here are some images of people out on the street and links to tweets;

A couple of Tweets as well. link to Hash tag

https://twitter.com/seedorftj/status/1199725058383601665

https://twitter.com/adeyanjudeji/status/1199747842191056899

Tweet from Senator Shehu Sanni condemning the bill

We are living in perilious times and the Government and individuals who we voted to represent us and make life better for us are devising new ways to punish, kill and disenfranchize Nigerian citizens. We don't have electricity, we don't have water or the basic amenities. The only thing we have is our voice, irrespective of how small it is.
I say #notohatespeechbill and #notosocialmediabill.

Here are my older posts on the same topic
Time to attack the Internet
Shut up or Die

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