Hate Speech Bill Is Anti Masses Says Law Students Association Of Nigeria

The Law Students Association of Nigeria has bared its mind on the lingering controversy in respect of the anti-hate speech bill pending before the National Assembly. The position of the LAWSAN was made known by the LAWSAN  National president, Mr. Emmanuel Nwobodo in a press release signed by him and made available to TheNigeraLawyer (TNL).

The Law Students body says there are laws on ground that regulate hate speech so the current one before the National Assembly is unnecessary and aimed at gagging the citizens. It argues further that the bill is unconstitutional as it infringed on right to freedom of speech. It urges the National Assembly to suspend the bill. Nwobodo says the remedy,Ihe believes, that would sufficiently address cries of ‘hate speech’ isn’t the hate speech bill; it is good governance

The bill in question prescribes harsh punishments, ranging from five years’ imprisonment to execution, for alleged speech offences, and leaves room for state officials to abridge constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental freedoms.

Below is the full statement:

“The Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN)  notes with concern the monstrous anti-hate speech bill before the National Assembly which prescribes death penalty among other harsh penalties. It is saddening that despite uproar and condemnations from the public, the bill is said to have passed a second reading now. It appears that the National Assembly whose membership rose to power on the back of the social media is bent on foisting a law on the unwilling and horrified citizens.

“Suffice it to say that there are laws on ground already to deal with hate speech or fake news. Section 24 of the Cyber Crime Act is very clear and unambiguous on how fake news and hate speech can be dealt with. The Criminal Code and the Penal Code are replete with sections dealing with unfounded rumors. There is also the civil remedy option of libel in court.

“The draconian anti hate speech bill which the National Assembly wishes to pass is unjustifiable and a total misplacement of priority. It is an attempt to gag the masses. It calls for concern that the National Assembly disregards corruption which is the cancer that has eaten deep into the fabric of Nigerian society but chose to go after the citizens.

“It is a known fact that freedom of expression is not only a constitutional right, but a God given right which was restated by the Supreme Court in Ransome Kuti V AG Federation to be antecedent to the society itself. Furthermore, section 22 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provided that the mass media, including the social media, should hold the government accountable to the people. How possible would that be in a circumstance where the citizens are gagged?

“The Directorate hereby joins forces with the citizens to cry out against such anti people bill and calls on the National Assembly to bow to will of the masses and do the needful by doing away the bill.