CJN, AGF Disagree Over Anti-Social Media Bill
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed yesterday supported anti-social media bill to stop the growing number of frivolous petitions. But the Attorney General of Federation (AGF) and minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and Nigerian Law Reform Commission kicked against the bill saying the objectives of the bill are against public interest. Besides, Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Ministry of Information, Nigerian Police Force(NPF), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) were absent at the public hearing of the frivolous petition bill. Mahmud who was represented by Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, said that frivolous petitions have been the order of the day across board in all tiers of government. She said although there is freedom of speech, there must be limits to its adhere especially with the exuberant, frivolous and unguarded write-ups in the print media, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
She added that the right to freedom in Nigeria has been overlooked while many established democracies across the world have enacted freedom of information regime. “Before now, Nigerians regarded freedom of information as a luxury which was only practicable in the western world.
“Citizens must rely on confirmed reports . In a country where freedom of information act is in operation, anyone can make a request for information.
“There are no restrictions on your age, nationality or where you live. Although some information can be withheld to protect various interest which are allowed.
“In a democratic world, the public is expected to have access to information not only on how they are governed but of interest to individual or group,” she said.
The minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami represented by assistant director Legal Drafting Department, Mr Patrick Etta Oyong said, “The bill is not qualified to be used in a democratic society.” He informed the lawmakers that if the bill is passed into law it would violate the African charter adding that the bill is not necessary because there are other laws that can take care of that. Also, kicking against the bill, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, said the demerits of the bill, by far, outweigh its merit in a democratic system of governance where whistle blowing has become an integral part globally.
Hon. Commisioner of Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Chibu Eze said the provision as currently couched, would affect the internal mechanisms of resolution of issues with government agencies.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed yesterday supported anti-social media bill to stop the growing number of frivolous petitions. But the Attorney General of Federation (AGF) and minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and Nigerian Law Reform Commission kicked against the bill saying the objectives of the bill are against public interest. Besides, Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Ministry of Information, Nigerian Police Force(NPF), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) were absent at the public hearing of the frivolous petition bill. Mahmud who was represented by Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, said that frivolous petitions have been the order of the day across board in all tiers of government. She said although there is freedom of speech, there must be limits to its adhere especially with the exuberant, frivolous and unguarded write-ups in the print media, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
She added that the right to freedom in Nigeria has been overlooked while many established democracies across the world have enacted freedom of information regime. “Before now, Nigerians regarded freedom of information as a luxury which was only practicable in the western world.
“Citizens must rely on confirmed reports . In a country where freedom of information act is in operation, anyone can make a request for information.
“There are no restrictions on your age, nationality or where you live. Although some information can be withheld to protect various interest which are allowed.
“In a democratic world, the public is expected to have access to information not only on how they are governed but of interest to individual or group,” she said.
The minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami represented by assistant director Legal Drafting Department, Mr Patrick Etta Oyong said, “The bill is not qualified to be used in a democratic society.” He informed the lawmakers that if the bill is passed into law it would violate the African charter adding that the bill is not necessary because there are other laws that can take care of that. Also, kicking against the bill, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, said the demerits of the bill, by far, outweigh its merit in a democratic system of governance where whistle blowing has become an integral part globally.
Hon. Commisioner of Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Chibu Eze said the provision as currently couched, would affect the internal mechanisms of resolution of issues with government agencies.
Posted by
Mohammad bala dyzo
0 Response to "New: CJN, AGF Disagree Over Anti-Social Media Bill"
Post a Comment