Buhari decries use of cyberspace to subvert democratic rights of voters

The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has decried the steady rise in fake news and cyber-crimes especially when such crimes are manipulated by criminals.

Buhari also lamented the use of cyberspace to manipulate elections, subvert the democratic rights of unsuspecting citizens; as well as propagate violence around the world.

Buhari said that much according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, when he delivered a keynote speech at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai.

During the meeting with the theme: ‘Mapping the Future of Foreign Direct Investment: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalisation’’, Buhari also called for a certain level of regulation to preserve the integrity of the digital economy.

He said: “Today, we have a cyber world that is intangible but real. This borderless world is powerful, and it impacts the lives of billions of people, no matter how remote their physical locations are.

Read also: Fresh headache for Wike, Ganduje as PPP asks tribunal nullify their elections

“People work in it. People socialise in it. And, people invest in it. This presents enormous opportunities. But, it also remains a constant threat; if left unregulated.

“On the one hand, it has made the human race more productive and more efficient. Today, we have digital banking, virtual currencies and many social platforms that connect people and cultures.

“On the other hand, we have seen platforms hijacked and manipulated; as evidenced by the steady rise in fake news and cyber-crimes.

“More recently, we are also witnessing use of the cyberspace to manipulate elections, subvert the democratic rights of citizens as well as propagate violence.

“In effect, the digital world has become the new frontier for both good and evil. Therefore, the challenge for world leaders must be to ensure that this space is inclusive, accessible and safe,” he added.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now