Prominent activist, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, has called on the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to abandon the quest for social media regulation.
Adeyanju’s statement comes in response to Gbajabiamila’s recent call for the regulation of social media, citing it as a societal menace.
Adeyanju acknowledged the challenges faced by Gbajabiamila, including fake news, targeted harassment, and baseless corruption allegations.
However, he emphasized that the call for social media regulation contradicts the principles of freedom of speech, a constitutionally guaranteed right in Nigeria.
In his statement, Adeyanju highlighted the irony of Gbajabiamila’s stance, considering that the APC government, where Gbajabiamila holds a key position, benefited from social media during its rise to power.
Adeyanju pointed out that social media has served as a crucial tool for citizens to reach government officials and hold them accountable, and Gbajabiamila’s call to regulate it raises concerns about limiting access and stifling freedom of expression.
He called on Gbajabiamila to reject the idea of regulating social media and instead commit to protecting the civic space and freedom of speech.
He urged Gbajabiamila to utilize existing legal remedies if he feels aggrieved by social media activities rather than pushing for vague regulations.
”Gbajabiamila should recognize the value of an open civic space and the importance of preserving freedom of speech.
”Rather than advocating for vague regulations, he should use existing legal remedies if he feels aggrieved by social media activities,” Adeyanju stated.
