FOI Coalition Tells Stakeholders to Reject Anti-social Media Bill

FOI Coalition Tells Stakeholders to Reject Anti-social Media Bill

Ahead of the Senate Public Hearing on the anti-media bill billed for Monday, a Civil Society Organisation, Freedom of Information Coalition in Nigeria (FOICN) has called on all well-meaning Nigerians to join the crusade to kill the bill in the interest of the country’s democracy.

 

Chairman, Board of Governors of the Coalition, Walter Duru, stated this while addressing journalists in Calabar at the weekend.

 

Duru described the bill as irresponsible and an attempt to gag the press, warning that if allowed, will spell doom for the country’s democracy.

“The bill is draconian, anti-media and anti-masses. Every Nigerian must stand to resist it. All stakeholders must come out en-mass to shoot down the Bill at the Public Hearing on March 7, 2016.

“The Frivolous Petitions bill, popularly referred to as anti-media bill is on its own frivolous and geared towards taking the country back to the dark days. It contradicts the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

“It is either that those behind the bill have committed one atrocity and are afraid that it might be blown open soon, or they plan to secure this draconian law as a cover for a planned evil. This will not work,” Duru said.

He urged the National Assembly leadership to withdraw the bill in the interest of the nation.

“Whoever does not want to be discussed in public should stay away from public office. This shows how insensitive our leaders are. Nigerians are hungry and the economy is going down by the day, as a result of poor leadership. How does this bill put food on the table of Nigerians? The focus now should be on legislations and steps that will improve the socio-economic well-being of the people; enhance security and check corruption and not this evil ploy. We have sufficient laws that regulate media practice.