The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has warned
on the Senate plan to deny Nigerians of their universally recognised right to
freedom of expression, reports ITRealms.
The GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olumide Iyanda, said in a
press statement available to ITRealms that the draft bill to "Prohibit
Frivolous Petitions and Other Matters Connected Therewith," which passed second
reading in the Senate last week, poses a threat to the freedom of expression
and obligation of the media as enshrined the Nigerian Constitution.
ITRealms recalls that the bill proposed up to two years in
prison or a fine of N2 million or both for anyone who posts an "abusive
statement" via text message, Twitter, WhatsApp, or any other form of
social media.
The bill also proposes varying penalties for false
publications by print, radio and TV outlets.
GOCOP said on the proposed bill: “We wish to call the
attention of the Senate to the UN Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees
freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart
information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
“Nigeria is also a signatory to other international statutes
like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Convention against Corruption, among
others,” GOCOP noted.
The group also expressed concern that given the inadequate
media and internet penetration in the country, the Senate will lend itself to
any move to discourage further growth.
“As other countries adopt more generous and dynamic approach
to the protection of free speech to allow citizens access to information
without fear of intimidation, the National Assembly should not shackle the very
media for which our present democracy owes it survival.
“Having benefitted from a vibrant media, it is worrisome
that the lawmakers have turned around to debate a law which seeks to punish
users of online media platforms.”
GOCOP, therefore, called on the lawmakers to desist from any
action that will create fear among media practitioners, online activists and
whistleblowers who may become likely targets if the bill becomes law.
“While we continuously campaign for responsible, objective
and transparent practice among media practitioners and social media users
across platforms, members of the Senate should not restrain access to
information to protect politicians and other high ranking individuals who do
not want to be held accountable for their actions,” GOCOP said.
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