n light of the economic challenges that have led to widespread public discontent in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu remains steadfast in his belief that regulation of social media is necessary, describing it as a threat to society.
According to People’s Gazette, his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered this message while representing him at the exhibition of a book by Babatunde Fashola, former Lagos governor and minister of works. The statement was issued by Tunde Alao, the senior special assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
President Tinubu stated
“Social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated. As many people do not understand, once the send button is hit, there is a potential to reach millions of people around the world.”
“This is capable of causing great danger not just in society but even unintended consequences to the individuals that are receiving information, which may include security of life.”
He emphasized,
“As citizens become more interested in governance, the government must ensure that engagement with citizens springs with shared agreement on what the truth is, what is real, and what is not.”
These comments from the president come at a time when his administration is facing increasing criticism and protests due to economic hardship, with inflation causing food prices to reach unprecedented levels.
Social media has been a key player in Nigeria, serving as a platform for national debates, diverse opinions, protests, and criticism of politicians and government policies. At the same time, political parties have used it for campaigns, propaganda, and circulating divisive fake news.
It is important to note that previous attempts to regulate social media under former president Muhammadu Buhari faced opposition from Nigerians who feared it could be used to suppress public opinion.