By Olusegun Lawrence Public outcry trailing the proposed anti-social media bill which has passed through second reading notwithstanding, Nigeria’s Senate has insisted it will push ahead with it.
The controversial bill seeks to curb frivolous petitions, false allegations and statements in the social media.
However, Senate assured that before the bill is passed into law, Nigerians will be given opportunity to shape its final outcome.
It could be recalled that on December 2, the bill seeking to curb frivolous petitions, false allegations and statements in the social media passed second reading.
Deputy Senate leader, Bala Na’ Allah, while presenting the bill entitled ‘A bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions, and other matters connected therewith, 2015 (SB. 143)’, had explained that it aimed at bringing sanity into the system, and make way for “credible and verifiable” petitions.
Senate spokesperson, Aliyu Sabi, in a statement on Sunday assured that the Senate said members of the public, including those for or against the Anti-Frivolity bill or parts of the bill will have the opportunity to shape its final outcome as there is an elaborate process which the bill must undergo before it becomes a law.
“The senate is committed to freedom of speech and a fully inclusive and participatory democracy”.
“The process of passing a bill is comprehensive and provide for inputs to be taken from all and sundry. The first stage is merely to read the short title of the bill. The second stage is purely to debate the general principles.
“The next stage is committal of the bill to appropriate committee or committees for further detailed legislative action where the details, intendment and clause by clause implications of the bill are dissected by the committee. This stage also involve public hearing in which members of the public, civil society, non-governmental organizations and all interested parties for or against the bill have the opportunity to shape and influence its content.
“The outcome from this committee stage is what will be finalized and then represented to the chamber for clause by clause consideration and approval or disapproval by the Senate. Thereafter, if the bill is approved, then the clean version of the bill is forwarded to the House of Representatives for concurrence or otherwise.
“Accordingly, the Senate wants to re-assure the public about this. So, all those who are either for or against this bill or its part and any other one have ample opportunities to reshape it.
“We will always ensure we pass laws which meet best practices across the world and indeed democratic scrutiny. Suggesting that the senate wants to pass a law not even practiced in China etc. is being mischievous.
“This Senate is people-centered, pro-poor and participatory. We will always act in the best interest of the citizenry. In this regard, we are totally committed to performing our duties and discharging our responsibilities without let or hindrance.
“All those spreading hate campaigns as a result of the Anti-frivolity bill, hauling insults at and making derogatory comments on Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the institution of the Senate are advised to key into the elaborate legislative process that a bill must pass through before becoming law if they are interested in shaping the outcome of the bill. This is the right way to go and part of the change we all aspire for our democracy
“The eighth Senate is totally committed to protecting the liberty of all Nigerians and the independence of the Senate and the legislative arm of government as we deepen our democratic journey”, Aliyu stated.
