Senate Speaks On Proposed Hate Speech Bill

  • Many have claimed that it is an attempt to gag the medium and counter freedom of expression.
  • Hate Speech is a comment that insults people for their religion, ethnic, linguistic affiliation, racial contempt among others.

The Senate has claimed that the controversial bill, National Commission for the Prohibition of Hate Speeches, is in the interest of Nigerians.

The bill has drawn many reactions from different quarters. Many have claimed that it is an attempt to gag the medium and counter freedom of expression in a democratic setting. Recall that the bill sponsored by a lawmaker representing Niger North, Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi passed first reading on Tuesday.

The bill prescribed death penalty by hanging upon conviction for any person found guilty for any form of hate speech that results in the death of another person. According to the bill, Hate Speech is a comment that insults people for their religion, ethnic, linguistic affiliation, racial contempt among others.

READ: Hate Speech Bill: 9th Senate Shaping Up Most Useless Senate In The History of Senating! – Japhet Omojuwa

In an interview with newsmen, the acting spokesperson of the Senate, Godiya Akwashiki assured Nigerians that the lawmakers would look at the bill critically during the second reading since first reading is just an introductory stage and is automatic. He added that even if it passed second reading, Nigerians particularly media practitioners have nothing to fear.

He further noted that a process of enacting a law or an act in the National Assembly or in the state Assembly starts with the First reading when the Leader of the Senate will read it for the first time.

“The Second reading is taken after the bill has been subjected to debate on the floor of the Senate. Once a bill scale second reading, it has to go to the committee and would return to the house again.

“If it is a bill that will represent the wishes and interest of Nigerians, it will scale second reading. If it is a bill that will create hardship for the people of Nigeria and crisis, it will be killed on the floor of the Senate by senators when it comes for second reading.”

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to be patient with the Senate because it is not wise nor legal right to discuss a bill that has not been mentioned for the second time on the floor of the Senate.

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“When the bill comes for second reading, then you will know where it is heading or what the Senate intends to do. I want to assure you that even if the bill scale second reading on the floor of the Senate, we are working for the progress and betterment of Nigerians. We are representing the local people even in the village.

“That bill even if it scales second reading, it will protect your interest (as journalists) and give you immunity to make sure you do your job justifiably without fear.”

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