After news broke that a bill to restrict the use of abusive language social media had passed Second Reading on the floor of the Senate, many Nigerians, most of them youths, took to social media to vent their frustration and anger with it.
According to several media reports, a bill sponsored by Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC – Kebbi South), seeks to prohibit the use of abusive language on social media.
The bill recommends a two-year jail term or a fine of N2 million for anyone found to have contravened its provisions.
Many of the Nigerians who took to social media on the issue, using the hashtag #NoToSocialMediaBill, said the bill was an attempt to violate their right to free speech.
Read their comments here…
This will never see the light of the day!!!
#NoToSocialMediaBill.
— TY (@TayeOnline) December 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/ChukwukaJerri/status/672172835645825024
they think if they bring this up, we will forget they promised us 31st of December to end boko haram, we won't forget #NoToSocialMediaBill
— Charles Isidi (@TheCharlesIsidi) December 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/AdForumCo/status/672171363042500609
https://twitter.com/ebuka_akara/status/672166298009387008
@BukolaSaraki have u forgotten dat 2019 is on d way #NoToSocialMediaBill
— ibrahim husain (@husnain360) December 2, 2015
It's way past the time. Youths need to rise up. The revolution is long overdue. #NoToSocialMediaBill https://t.co/zSpzdBfRrd
— JACKIE (@JackieUko) December 2, 2015
This kind of policy will get this country to no better where, rather fix our needs and wants. #NoToSocialMediaBill
— Chukwu Temple (@KingTeco) December 2, 2015
I am 100% sure that we will close down d Senate & send all Senators back to where they belong if this bill is passed #NoToSocialMediaBill
— Ali G (@aligthebaptist) December 2, 2015
Everyone who values his or her right must express a resounding #NoToSocialMediaBill
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) December 2, 2015
Dey re only looking4ways 2curb d expressions of d public against their future evil plans.#NoToSocialMediaBill This is nt d CHANGE U promised
— Politics Today (@ActivateNewNig) December 2, 2015
Where are the human right activist? Where? #NoToSocialMediaBill
— Wash your hands, you detty PIG. (@OrissAreg_) December 2, 2015
The same @bukolasaraki that claim he will not compromise on #OpenNASS now wants to play games #NoToSocialMediaBill pic.twitter.com/LuOCzBnINu
— A Child Of Curiosity (@yekeme) December 2, 2015
#NoToSocialMediaBill @benmurraybruce @bukolasaraki @sturvs @AbujaCityDotCom @infonaija
— Ifeoma Madueke (@ifeoo20) December 2, 2015
I join millions of Nigerian Youth to say #NoToSocialMediaBill .
— Uduak Inwang aka Cavil (@cavilT) December 2, 2015
We where carried away by the presidential election and we forgot to vet the people we were sending to #NASS #NoToSocialMediaBill
— Samuel Asimi (Uncle Sam) (@samDoptimist) December 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/akinolarj/status/672164256029253632
The apc led govt has no right 2tell me wat 2 tweet cos dey dnt pay 4my data & neither do dey provide free wifi service. #NoToSocialMediaBill
— Emma (@emma_Unusual) December 2, 2015
For the first time in our history we are aware of the sheer level of corruption and incompetence of these politicians #NoToSocialMediaBill
— Imoh (@ImohUmoren) December 2, 2015
Dear .@NGRSenate , we are combat ready. You declared a war and we WILL ALL fight you. We will #OccupyNASS and say #NoToSocialMediaBill !!!
— Hussein Sanni (@sannihussein) December 2, 2015
Bunch of supercilious, dictatorial, truculent old hags!!!!!!! #NoToSocialMediaBill
— DIDI MELVIN (@didizecks) December 2, 2015
This is the change Nigerians voted for abi?If this one becomes a success,D press should watch out cause they'll be next #NoToSocialMediaBill
— ᴮᴬᴮᵞ (@louebaby_) December 2, 2015