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We could have shut down social media during #EndSARS protests — Minister
By Emmanuel Awosika
The Federal Government had the option to shut down social media during the recent #EndSARS protests but decided against it, a Minister, Sunday Dare, revealed on Monday.
Dare, who heads the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, disclosed this while speaking on Channels Television programme ‘Sunrise Daily’ on Monday morning.
The Minister said Nigeria could have followed the example of other countries who have restricted social media but chose to allow free speech instead.
He admitted that social media and the internet had positive uses but called for efforts to curb the spread of fake news.
“There must be some level of responsibility and some level of punishment to those that will create chaos out of mischief in our country,” he explained.
He commended the youths for using social media to drive the #EndSARS protests but said the country had to take steps to regulate it in order to stem dissemination of fake news.
“The fact that how youths used it to mobilise is commendable. But the talk about the regulation of the social media has been around for a while. We’ve seen other countries taking practical steps in that direction, this country has not done that.
“Even during the #EndSARS protests, the country had an option (but) the country never went for that final option.
“Even during the #EndSARS protests, the country had an option (but) the country never went for that final option.
“There was no time the cyberspace was shut down, people were still able to connect themselves through the various social media platforms. And that shows a government that is committed to the rights of freedom and association of every citizen of this country.”
He also touched on the Social Media bill, saying it was a measure to prevent fake news from destroying lives in the country.
He promised that the National Assembly would ensure due process in passing the law and also flag it if it contravened the constitution.
