Sincerely, I don't know the title to give this post because a lot have been happening which are now competing for attention. We have the ever recurring fuel scarcity( bought fuel today and I had to pay extra N200 to the petrol attendant(or else she wont sell) and settle the pseudo gateman that allowed me in after several pleads), the Kogi/Bayelsa state elections(the inconclusiveness), the Benue state bail-out fund outburst, the Social media bill.
Speaking of the bill, I have come to realize a salient attitude as regards our ever expanding use of the social media which is: WE ALL WANT TO BE HEARD. I don't fault that and I will get to it shortly but first we let explain in plain terms what the bill is all about.
The Social media bill is saying:
If you have any fact(s) to back your claim(s)/allegation(s) about/against anyone/political figure, all you need to do instead of the old norm of tweeting/'face booking' etc. immediately is to first get a court affidavit.
A court affidavit could take 15minutes if you are lucky and forever if you are so unlucky!
Now, several argument have been put forward against this bill because it in effect gag the freedom of speech rights of every Nigerian(I don't support this). The only way Nigerians can play a key role in governance is through effective voicing of approval/disapproval of policies that affects their day to day lives, especially when so much is expected from the government.
The only way we can keep our political office holders on their feet is by regularly seeking to understand their mandate(while in office) and policies and holding them accountable.
Secondly, it inadvertently put into the subconscious a need for second thought before things are put online(this is the part I like).
Here is an argument a friend gave me, if you can painstakingly gather evidences for an allegation, then spending extra time to get a court affidavit should not be an issue.
Frankly speaking, social media users really need to be re-sensitize. I have witnessed several battles especially on twitter and facebook with total disregard for respect and order leading to the use of utterances which are better imagined than said.
In my opinion,
Question:Do we need this bill?
Answer: No.
I prefer/want a platform where we all can argue our differences/beliefs in a manner which is informative without resulting to insults and name callings.
God bless Nigeria.
