The 2019 Presidential candidate of the
People's Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has warned the promoters of
anti-hate speech bill to think twice as they might be shrinking the democratic
space.
Recall
LIB reported that the anti-hate speech bill which proposes death by hanging for
those found guilty of such and establishment of a commission for the
prohibition of hate speech in the country, passed its first reading on Tuesday
November 12.
Atiku
who reacted to the development in a statement released by his spokesperson Paul
Ibe, stated that the contemplation of such laws is in itself not just hate
speech but an abuse of the legislative process that will violate Nigerians’
constitutionally guaranteed right to Freedom of Speech.
“The
contemplation of such laws is in itself not just hate speech, but an abuse of
the legislative process that will violate Nigerians’ constitutionally
guaranteed right to Freedom of Speech,” he said.
“Atiku urges those behind this Bill to
awake to the fact that Nigeria’s democracy has survived its longest
incarnation, because those who governed this great nation between 1999 and 2015
never toyed with this most fundamental of freedoms.
“It is prudent to build upon the tolerance
inherited from those years and not shrink the democratic space to satisfy
personal and group interests.”
Atiku
pointed out that Nigeria is facing numerous challenges and also urged the
lawmakers to channel their energy into finding solutions to make the country
better.
“Again,
Atiku cautions that we must prioritise our challenges ahead of the whims and
caprices of those who do not like to hear the inconvenient truth. Stop this
folly and focus on issues that matter to Nigerians,” the statement added.
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