Hate Speech Bill an individual idea – Senate

The Senate on Monday distanced itself from the Hate Speech Bill now before the lawmakers, saying it was not the idea emanated from a member of the upper legislative chamber.

The Chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who addressed the media on the matter, said the bill was not the idea of the ninth Senate but that of an individual member of the Senate.

According to Akwashiki, the bill is being sponsored solely by the Deputy Chief Whip, Sabi Abdullahi, based on his conviction.

Read also: Speak truth to power, Obasanjo charges Christians

He also described as unfortunate, the statement credited to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which insinuated that the bill was a Senate bill skewed to make the alleged third term ambition of President Muhammadu Buhari possible.

Akwashiki said the fate of the bill would be determined on the floor of the Senate after a robust debate by senators.

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