Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed on Thursay October 10, announced that online news platforms will now be regulated as he inaugurated a seven-man committee to implement reforms in the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Lai Mohammed went on to say President Buhari has approved the upward review of fines from N500,000 to N5 million for hate speech offences as well as the amendment to the NBC act to enable it to license WebTv and radio stations, including foreign broadcasters beaming signals into the country.
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In his reaction to this, Apostle Suleman said, ‘just read about N5m fine for hate speech…there is a thin line btw freedom of speech/hate speech..this is a deliberate attempt to silence people..we could back date its implentation to 2014’. ‘what should be addressed is fake news..lies been peddled.
Unverified stories..that way,there will be media-sanity..but with this,every voiced opinion that appears confrontational to govt will be tagged ‘hate speech’…leaders,always remember you won’t be in power forever’. he continued.
He wrapped up by saying, ‘lord visit nigeria with your mercy..take out everyone against our wellbeing..whether among the rulers or the opposition..
Give us people who will take care of the poor and give jobs..make nigeria a place no one will be willing to leave..we know it will come to pass in Jesus name’.
