Sponsor of the bill seeking to check hate speech, Aliyu Abdullahi, has
said the death penalty aspect will be amended in line with the wish of
Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, Abdullahi said the bill will
undergo some fine-tuning to reflect the views of Nigerians.
He added that the senate will accept contributions and input by
critics and supporters of the bill, saying such will go a long way in
giving Nigerians the law to address the “disturbing trend” of hate
speech.
Section 4 (2) of the bill provides that any person found guilty of
hate speech shall be liable to life imprisonment and where the act
causes any loss of life, the person shall be punished through death by
hanging.
Civil society groups and human rights activists have rejected the
bill, describing it as an attempt to suppress the people and stifle
freedom of speech.
But Abdullahi said hate speech has led to the death of many and is a
major factor behind depression and suicide in Nigeria.
“We have followed closely arguments for and against the hate speech
bill, and seen the reason why some kicked against it. Given the high
respect which we have for Nigerians, we will make amendment to the
death penalty aspect that most Nigerians objected to, so that a bill
that meets their expectations is passed into law,” he said.
“Clearly from the conversations, Nigerians agree that we have a
problem in the society today as a result of hate speech which has
fuelled so many killings and violence, and is responsible for cases of
depression and suicides.”
Citing a World Health Organisation report, Abdullahi said Nigeria
which is the seventh-largest country in the world “has Africa’s
highest rate of depression and ranks fifth in the world frequency of
suicide.”
The lawmaker added that the Independent National Commission for the
Prohibition of Hate Speech to be established will guard against every
act of discrimination against Nigerians by way of victimisation.
The commission, according to Abdullahi, will have an executive
chairperson, a secretary and 12 commissioners appointed through
rigorous process involving the national council of state, the
president and the national assembly.
“The bill provides that those qualified to be appointed as members of
the commission must not be: members of the national assembly or any
government in authority at the local, state or federal levels,” he
said.
The lawmaker added that any person, who is a member of any political
party or known to be affiliated with partisan politics, or has
promoted sectional, ethnic, religious causes or openly advocated
partisan ethnic positions or interest, stands disqualified from being
appointed to serve on the commission.
“The overall concern is to curb violence and unnecessary loss of lives
and livelihoods of Nigerians due to hate-induced violence,” Abdullahi
said.
…we don’t want such draconian laws – Cleric tells NASS
Presiding Bishop, Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Bishop Francis Wale
Oke on Sunday declared that Nigerians do not want laws like the
proposed Hate speech law from the government of the day.
He described such law with a punishment of death penalty as an attempt
by the government to silence opposition and freedom of expression.
Oke spoke during the thanksgiving service to mark the annual press
week of the National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ), Oyo
state council.
A bill which seeks the death penalty for anyone found guilty of
engaging in hate speech was recently reintroduced in the National
Assembly.
But, Oke while reacting maintained that Nigeria does not need such
draconian law which he said is best seen as a means of stifling the
voice of opposition and freedom of expression in the country.
Commending journalists for the efforts and fight at enthroning
democracy and good governance in the country, Oke assured that the
Nigerian church will join the media practitioners in the fight against
corruption, nepotism and in defence of the nations democracy.
He said, “The issue of hate speech is an error from the National
Assembly and we don’t want such draconian laws from our government.
“Such law with a punishment of death penalty is best seen as an
attempt by the government to silence opposition and freedom of
expression.
“The recent judgement of the court of appeal on the governorship
election is neither here nor there. Even the lawyers are complaining
as both parties are claiming victory at the court.
“The forces are only waiting for something sinister or negative to
happen at the Supreme Court. So, God said we should call for prayers
for peace in the state. I am not for PDP. I am not for APC. But I am
for God and I am for good governance in the state. “I have told
Governor Seyi Makinde that if he fails to do what is right for the
people, we will pray him out like others.I have told him that what I
need from him is good governance and he is trying his best. I have
assured him that I will hold him by his collar to make sure he
delivered to the people of Oyo state.
“When I heard that a commissioner driver and orderly dies from an
attack, I told myself we don’t want that era again in Oyo state. There
is no political position that is worth any man’s blood.
