The Nigerian Presidency has issued the statement below, quoting President Muhammadu Buhari as dissociating himself as his administration from the media muzzle law being cooked by the Nigerian Senate.


SOCIAL MEDIA BILL: BUHARI RESTATES COMMITMENT TO FREE SPEECH.


President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated the commitment of his administration to the protection of free speech in keeping with democratic tradition.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu who was reacting to the public hostility towards the social media bill now being debated by the Senate, said President Buhari has sworn to defend the constitution of Nigeria and would not lend his hand to anything that is inconsistent with the constitution.

“But he is not averse to lawful regulation, so long as that is done within the ambit of the constitution which he swore to uphold.”

“The President said free speech is central to democratic societies anywhere in the world. The President explained that without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about governance issues.

“As a key component of democratic principles,” the President acknowledged that people in democratic societies “are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might.”

“Malam Garba Shehu explained that President Buhari is fully aware of the public reservations about the proposed legislation but assured that there is no cause for alarm “because the Senate is a democratic senate. The President won’t assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria.”


Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/194780-buhari-dissociates-self-from-media-muzzle-law-says-im-committed-to-free-speech.html

Wonderful!

Good one, but I think there should be some measure of restrictions because I saw what most of these online media nearly cause during the election period

Then he shouldn't sign it to law. Just thrash it.

Reprobates sinators want to limit our God-given freedom. They will fail!

Only the corrupt will support that

Just as the poster above me has freedom of speech to say whatever he likes.

He shouldn't sign it

sai baba

Dino Mi liara Oyah Benddow benddown Pause!

He is learning the democratic rope but the rate of conversion is too slow.

I for go jail o...
Cos i can't stopping yabbing his open teeth..

I am sorry I can't help it

Freedom of speech is a constitutionally guaranteed right that must be unfettered.


This government has the duty to uphold and defend the citizens right to express themselves freely.


Dino Melaiye Na'Allah etal should be well guided.

God bless Nigeria.

Its a bulk of those bribe seeking thieves in the legislative arm that are really against freedom of Information.