The Katsina State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango says there is no need to have any law to regulate social media activities in the country.
The commissioner stated this on Saturday at the opening of a 2-day training for social media users in Katsina, organised by the Katsina Times News Paper/Magazine.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training on digital media skills was organised in collaboration with Sardaunan Katsina foundation.
“We don’t need any law to regulate social media, because the constitution has made everything clear, and the same thing with the penal code where any criminal law is there.
“We also have media communication law and ethics, defamation, sedition, law of privacy, and other communication laws.
“These laws alone, if correctly interpreted, are enough to regulate the social media, therefore there’s no need to have any social media law,” according to the commissioner.
According to him, the social media has come to stay, and there is no way to stop social media in the world, because internet has brought about citizen journalism.
Salisu-Zango pointed out that this opportunity existed in the country due to the constitutional provisions on freedom of expression and speech.
“Social media has very important function on the society, by performing all the functions that the mainstream media carry out.
“Therefore, I consider social media users as journalists like any other journalist. Nigerian constitution has provided an opportunity for them,” he said.
According to him, if they will utilise the opportunity for the training, they will use the social media for the progress and development of their community and the country in general.
He also called on them to understand media law and ethics and it will guide them to use the social media in a better way, especially on developmental journalism.
“Social media also provide job opportunities, because we are in an errar where government alone can not provide job for everybody,” according to the commissioner.
Salisu-Zango also called on them to avoid using the social media for promoting rumours, incitement, fake news and lies, rather they should be objective and balance in their reportage.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Zone-14 Katsina, CSP Gambo Isa, called on social media bloggers and influencers not to allow themselves to be used in promoting fake news capable of bringing discord among members of a family, group or society.
“No matter the pecuniary gain, don’t allow yourself to be used in destroying others, do not allow your social media handles to be used for mischief, ensure you promote good conduct, assist the government, its people and security agencies in the state.
“Always report positive achievements, especially on the ongoing fight against crime and criminality in the state.
“Do not confront the security agencies on open social media platforms on anything that you have doubts or even aware it’s not true or needed clarification,” he advised.
