Protestant Storm NASS In Abuja Against Social Media Bill

Nigerian social media activists today, December 8, protested outside the National Assembly in Abuja against the implementation of the social media bill which is perceived to be overly restrictive.  The protest tagged #NoToSocialMediaBill was in opposition to the Frivolous Petitions (Prohibitions, Etc.) Bill, 2015 sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, the deputy Senate leader, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District.

The rally which started from the Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja, saw activists, typically youths joining from across several states.

In a joint statement on Sunday, the conveners of #NoToSocialMediaBill, Aisha Yesufu, Anthony Ehilebo, Ariyo Atoye and Mukhtar Dan’Iyan, vowed to lead Nigerian youths to protest against the bill.

Nigerians protesting against social media bill#NoToSocialMediaBill Nigerians protesting against social media bill in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on December 7, Monday, dissociated himself from the proposed social media bill presently being discussed in the Senate seeking to restrict Nigerians from “criticizing” political and public office holders.

The bill has passed its second reading in the Senate.

It proposes up to a seven-year sentence or $25,000 (£16,000) fine for anyone found to be sending “abusive messages”.