The Nigerian Guild of Editors has
asked the Senate to suspend unconditionally, all proceedings with respect to a
proposed Bill, "FRIVOLOUS PETITIONS (PROHIBITIONS ETC) BILL, 2015."
According to President of the Guild,
Mr Garba Deen Muhammad the broad objective of the curiously accelerated Bill is
to outlaw the freedom of expression of all Nigerian citizens and freedom of
speech of all media organizations.
The NGE President noted that
appallingly, the Bill equally included as its target very personal and private
means of communication such as SMS or text messages and WhatsApp, among others.
The Editors stressed that the
freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed in section 22 and 39(1) of the
1999 Nigerian constitution respectively. Therefore, to enact any kind of law
under any guise that will contradict these fundamental provisions is to
deliberately seek to undermine the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
While urging the lawmakers to avoid
misusing the mandate of the electorates, the Nigerian Guild of Editors however frowned
at on-line fraudsters who take advantage of the vulnerable cyber space to carry
out cyber bullying, stealing, stalking and all manner of cybercrimes.
The NGE’s position read in part ‘In view of this and the
glaring danger posed by the proposed Bill, the NGE is strongly advising the
Senate to drop all proceedings on the proposed Bill and turn its attention
instead to critical areas in need of urgent intervention.
While believing that members of the Senate have a right both individually and collectively to express their concerns about the abuse of the cyberspace by unscrupulous people and organizations, we advise them to consolidate or strengthen the existing laws and enforce implementation.
We call on all Nigerians that are justifiably peeved by the very consideration of enacting such obnoxious law to remain calm and express their opposition through lawful means’.
While believing that members of the Senate have a right both individually and collectively to express their concerns about the abuse of the cyberspace by unscrupulous people and organizations, we advise them to consolidate or strengthen the existing laws and enforce implementation.
We call on all Nigerians that are justifiably peeved by the very consideration of enacting such obnoxious law to remain calm and express their opposition through lawful means’.
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