Nigerian social media activists today, December 8, stormed National Assembly in Abuja protesting against implementation of social media bill perceived to be overly restrictive.
The protest tagged #NoToSocialMediaBill was caused by “Frivolous Petitions (Prohibitions, Etc.) Bill, 2015″ sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, the deputy Senate leader, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District.
The rally which started from the Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja, saw activists, typically youths joining from across several states.
In a joint statement on Sunday, the conveners of #NoToSocialMediaBill, Aisha Yesufu, Anthony Ehilebo, Ariyo Atoye and Mukhtar Dan’Iyan, vowed to lead Nigerian youths to kick against the bill.
Watch the video from the protest and photos below:
However, President Muhammadu Buhari on December 7, Monday, dissociated himself from the proposed Social Media Bill presently being discussed in the Senate seeking to restrict Nigerians from “criticizing” political and public office holders.
The bill has passed second reading in the Senate.
It proposes up to a seven-year sentence or $25,000 (£16,000) fine for anyone found to be sending “abusive messages”.