The bill aiming to legalise a process to make security operatives to intercept Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and internet communications in the country received an immense backing by the Senate yesterday.
The bill which was sponsored by Senator Isa Galaudu, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kebbi North, requests for legal backing for relevant national chief security officers, national security agency, Department of State Services and Police to intercept malicious communications in the country.
Senator Galaudu said earlier on in his argument that the bill would facilitate the role of security agencies in tracking terrorism or crime against national security or human dignity, using, communication or telecommunication services if passed.
The bill is entitled: “A Bill for an Act to Provide for Interception, Development and Protection of Communications Networks and Facilities for Public Interest and Other Related Matters 2013.
It was referred to the Senate committees on Communication, Judiciary and National Security for further legislative input has passed the second reading in the senate.
According to Galaudu, “The bill also seeks to prohibit the manufacturing, assembling, processing, selling, purchasing or advertising of certain equipment illegally used as interception devices and also protect the interest of communication users through the prohibition of interception and provide circumstances under which interception may be permitted for public interest.
“It is, however, pertinent to note that the bill strengthens the terrorism prevention act, which empowers the Attorney-General of the Federation, National Security Adviser or Inspector-General of Police to aquire information relating to terrorist groups and terrorist acts and conduct investigations or search with or without warrant to prevent or establish a crime of terrorism”, Galaudu had also said.
In his argument, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu advised that the security and protection of the Nigerian citizens which is the major aspect of the bill is paramount.
“It is also important to stop people using devices to intercept people‘s calls. I think with this bill punishment will be prescribed for those who intercept calls illegally”, he pointed out.
But Senator Atai Ali said his fears about the abuse of the bill were that it would create an opportunity for government to witch-hunt the opposition without court order and the bill portends some sort of danger.
He insisted that the bill for its ambiguity should be streamlined as he said “anti-establishments may become targets of the bill”.