The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern warning to the federal government, threatening legal action in response to its plans to regulate social media.
SERAP’s move comes after President Bola Tinubu pointed out social media’s impact on society during a book launch in Lagos State on February 8, 2024.
Tinubu, speaking through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, stressed the menace of social media in spreading fake and misleading information, which has contributed to unrest in certain states.
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He emphasized the need for a structured approach to news dissemination on social media to prevent misinformation.
However, SERAP swiftly responded via X asserting that the government’s intentions are inconsistent with the country’s constitution and international human rights standards.
It said:
“The threat by the Tinubu administration to regulate social media is at odds with the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards.
“We’ll take legal action if the administration carries out its threat to restrict Nigerians’ rights on social media.”