Social Media Bill: Gov. Ikpeazu Reacts to Controversial Bill

Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu PhD. has reacted to the controversial social media bill stating that he supports the freedom of expression by citizens but advised strongly of self regulation.

He stated this through his official Twitter page on Thursday stating that every medium can be subject to abuse and urged to use social media responsibly.

Ikpeazu pointed out that not adapting to self regulation of social media could lead to “maligning, abusing, inciting or spreading falsehood.”

He wrote, “I have followed with keen interest developments surrounding the proposed regulation of the social media. While I agree that the social media, just like any other medium can be subject to abuse, I totally support the freedom of expression by citizens as enshrined and guaranteed in our Constitution, I strongly urge all to practise the principle of self-regulation in their use of the social media in a way that will not lead to maligning, abusing, inciting anyone or spreading falsehood.”

Recall that there has been debate on the regulation while Northern leaders called for the regulation of social media, Governor Seyi Makinde opposed the regulation and advised the use of the Cyber Crime act of 2015.