By Chinyere Okoroafor
RAP act, Jude Abaga popularly known as MI and Kate Henshaw have kicked against the passage of Social Media Bill.
The entertainers joined voices with the Socio Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) to condemn in strong terms the social media bill describing it as draconian and deliberate attempt to stifle citizen’s freedom of expression.
On his part, Abaga said the bill should not be passed, and the senators pushing for its passage should put a stop to it.
The Chief Executive Officer of Task, added: “From the angle of the citizens, we want them to find out who is representing them either at the Senate or House of Representative, then send him a message, stating that the bill doesn’t represent the interests of the citizenry using the harshtag#leaveoursocialmedia #killthebill#.”
On her part, Kate Henshaw said “the role of social media in promoting transparency, public accountability and good governance cannot be over emphasized. It has opened new possibilities for citizens to engage with each other, their political representatives and contribute towards an inclusive broad based process.”
In the same vein, Banky W said, “we have a responsibility to put the nail in the coffin” as he encouraged everyone as citizens of Nigeria to use social media as a tool to drive home the change that is seeked.”
A panel of celebrities including Dotun, Folu Storms, Di’ja, Jeff and anchored by Jude Abaga took time to discuss the bill and educate everyone on the power of the media and why it is important for everyone to have a right to speak freely about issues. It was also highlighted that in the reality of the nation, the law may not have allowed people to speak up but social media does and all the ills in society is been brought to light as a result of social media.
Other advocates that were in attendance to lend their voice and brand image includes Chigul, Lynx, Latasha, and Beverly Osu.
