Senate introduces bill to prohibit ‘Hate Speech’

A bill to set up a commission for the prohibition of hate speeches has been introduced on the floor of the Senate.

The bill is listed on the order paper and has passed first reading.

The Bill is sponsored by the former Senate spokesman in the eight assembly Senator Abdullahi Sabi.

Last week the Senate passed through first reading the Protection from internet falsehood and manipulations Bill 2019.

The proposed legislation seeks to prevent the spreading and broadcasting of falsehood and manipulations using social media platforms via internet broadcasts and transmissions.

This Bill is reminiscent of the Social Media Bill which was introduced in the eight assembly but was not passed because of widespread condemnation of the bill which some Nigerians felt was intended to stifle freedom of expression.