x

FG makes U-turn, denies sponsoring bills to regulate social media

The Federal Government on Friday denied sponsoring bills purportedly meant to gag the press and regulate social media.

Recall that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had urged the House of Representatives to include regulation of Twitter in the National Broadcasting Commission Act.

The Minister made the call at the public hearing on a bill to amend the NBC Act organized by the House Committee on Information.

“I will want to add that specifically, internet broadcasting and all online media should be included in this because we have a responsibility to monitor content— including Twitter,” he said.

However, in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, Mohammed said the bills concerning the Nigerian Press Council and the National Broadcasting Commission were private member bills sponsored by a lawmaker in the National Assembly.

“First, let me say how disappointed I am that those who have been berating me on these bills have been doing so on a false premise that the Federal Government had sponsored bills to stifle the press.

”This is a classic case of misinformation because the Federal Government did not sponsor any bill to gag the press.

“It baffles me that those who rushed to the media to slam the government didn’t even try to verify the facts,’’ he said

The minister further stated that the National Assembly member who sponsored the bills had done nothing wrong. He said the legislator was only doing what he was elected to do.

“I insist that the bills were not sponsored by the Federal Government.

“I was invited, as the Minister of Information and Culture, to make my contributions, just like many other stakeholders at the public hearing.

“It was an opportunity for stakeholders to make their input into the bills.

”I attended and made my contributions,’’ he added.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Scrabble Stars Battle for N10m at Gov. Diri Championship

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa Top Scrabble players from across Nigeria...

Northern CAN Leaders Visit Benue, Reject ‘Herders-Farmers Clash’ Narrative

...Pledge sustained advocacy...“Your presence is Christ sitting with us”...

Expect More Development — Gov. Aliyu Assures Sokoto Residents

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State...

We Have Brought Inclusive Development to Plateau — Governor Mutfwang

By Israel Adamu, Jos The people of Plateau State made...

NYSC Is the Thread Binding Nigeria’s Diversity” — Gov. Diri

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri,...

What’s the Best Age for a Man to Get Married? Here’s What We Found

Marriage is one of the most significant milestones in...

Nurses Suspend Nationwide Strike – Health Minister Confirms

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img