‘It’s scary, draconian’ — Tambuwal asks media to fight hate speech bill

Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto state, has asked the media to remain vigilant, educate and mobilise Nigerians to defend the country’s hard earned democracy.

Tambuwal spoke while declaring open the 15th All Nigeria Guild of Editors’ Conference (ANEC) in Sokoto on Thursday.

According to the governor, the media needs to educate, and mobilise Nigerians against the hate speech bill that prescribed the death penalty for offenders.

“This is quite scary and indeed set people thinking of the true intention of those at the forefront of the bill,” Tambuwal said.

“There are enough provisions in our laws to deal with people whose actions can undermine national unity and cohesion. Such draconian legislation has no place in the constitution and democracy like ours.

“The media must, therefore, remain vigilant, you have a responsibility to educate, mobilize Nigerians to defend this hard-earned democracy.

“We cannot operate democracy like a military dictatorship, the storms are gathering and we must join hands to checkmate anti-democratic elements and return our country to the path of constitutionalism, progress and development. ”

The governor described the theme of the conference as apt as it came at a time when Nigeria is struggling to regain its economic balance.

“We face the challenges of dwindling resources, government at all levels are struggling to provide essential services, ” he said.

“This has restated search for creative and innovative ways to boost internally generated revenue (IGR) in order to keep afloat.

“The media is also feeling the heat of the harsh economic environment. It’s a testament for the firm resilient and creativity of Nigeria media that remains vibrant despite the huge financial challenges it’s facing.

“I urge you not to despair, keep the faith and remain unbound, the difficult time would give way to a better time, to a better room for a prosperous future. ”

Segun Osoba, former governor of Ogun state and the chairman of the occasion, also appealed to the NGE fight against the hate speech bill.

“The social media are not part of us, so I don’t know why somebody wants to punish us for what we have not committed,”Osoba said.

“In our constitution, there are enough provisions for us to go to court. Therefore, we should continue to fight this out and by the grace of God we will succeed.”