News
Amnesty International: Criticising Tinubu on social media may earn you three-year jail term
Amnesty International has said critics of President Bola Tinubu risk three-year jail term even as it condemns a fresh push for social media regulation by the All Progressives Congress- led government.
Explaining the implications of social media regulations in a series of tweets on Saturday, the human rights organisation said, “the social media regulation law keenly pushed by Nigerian politicians is set to be subject to vague and broad interpretations and will impose incredibly harsh punishments simply for criticising the authorities.”
With social media regulation, Amnesty International said, “Social media users will be punished for freely expressing their opinions. Govt. can arbitrarily shut down the internet and limit access to social media. Criticising the government will be punishable with penalties of up to three years in prison.”
It was reported On Friday that the human rights organisation identified Sada Soli, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Katsina State, as the brain behind the reintroduction of the law.
This comes shortly after Mr Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, called for social media regulation, describing it as a “societal menace, amidst public outrage sparked by economic hardship and insecurity.
“Social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated. As many people do not understand that once the send button is hit, there is a potential to reach millions of people around the world, which is capable of causing a great danger not just in society but even unintended consequences to the individuals that are receiving information which may include security of life,” said Mr Gbajabiamila.
Mr Gbajabiamila came under attack after the comment with some Nigerians asking the government to tackle insecurity, poverty and hunger aggravated by the government’s policies
The move to regulate social media comes amid criticisms of Mr Tinubu’s government over economic hardship as inflation drives food prices up astronomically.
Over the years, Nigerians have used social media for national discourse, ventilate views, mobilise protests and criticise politicians and government policies.
A bill proposed to regulate social media under Mr Tinubu’s predecessor, former president Muhammadu Buhari, failed as Nigerians pushed back, fearing it could be used to gag freedom of speech.
The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.
It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.
Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.
Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.
They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.
His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.
According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.
Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.
Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.
He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.
The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.
It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.
During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.
Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.
After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.
Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.
This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.
A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.
The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.
Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.
-
News9 hours agoBanditry:” I was chained for 32days while in their den, killed my wife as I watch-Nat’l Assembly DD narrates experience
-
News5 hours agoPolice Inspector Slumps, Dies While Celebrating After Arsenal Wallop Real Madrid 3-0
-
News10 hours agoUS revokes more than 500 foreign student visas
-
News17 hours agoBandits have seized control of 64 communities in Plateau – Gov Muftwang
-
News12 hours agoIbas picks administrators for 23 Rivers LGs(SEE list)
-
Economy16 hours agoMobile Money transactions hit $1.68trn in one year
-
News17 hours agoRibadu warns against ransom payment to terrorists, kidnappers, others
-
News4 hours ago
SAD! APC lawmaker dies while asleep