- The National Assembly is drafting legislation to regulate fake news on social media platforms in Nigeria to address the dissemination of false information
- The move aims to ensure that content posted on social media platforms is subject to regulation to combat misinformation
Comrade Chinedu Ogah, the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, has announced that the National Assembly is crafting legislation to regulate the spread of fake news on social media platforms in Nigeria. Once passed, this legislation would become law and seek to address the growing concern over disseminating false information online.
Ogah made this revelation during an interview with journalists in Abakiliki, the capital of Ebonyi State. He offered his perspective while responding to allegations of certificate forgery made against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), in the February 25 election.
He explained;
We, at the National Assembly, are in the process of developing legislation focused on combating fake news and regulating social media, as it is practiced in several other countries. This means that the content posted on social media platforms will be subject to regulation. People will no longer have free rein to post whatever they wish from the confines of their rooms.
Expressing his viewpoint on the calls for President Tinubu’s resignation, Ogah stated, “In my opinion, those advocating for President Tinubu’s resignation are driven by hate. They lack substantial evidence to support their claims and often rely on information propagated through social media. Nigeria operates under established rules and has a constitution that governs the actions of its citizens.”
This move by the National Assembly to address the issue of fake news on social media reflects the growing concern about the spread of misinformation and its potential consequences. It signifies a step toward regulating the online space to ensure that the information shared is accurate and reliable.