Nigeria: Buhari dissociates self from social media bill, say's he's committed to free speech

President Buhari has made it clear to Senators that he will not assent to the Social Media Bill being pushed forward by the senate. President Buhari made his position known through his Senior Special Assistant to Media and publicity Shehu Garba. He said the principle of the bill was inconsistent with democratic ideals of free speech enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, stressing that he had sworn while coming into office to uphold the dictates of the constitution.

"He is not averse to lawful regulation, so long as that is done within the ambit of the constitution which he swore to uphold. The President won’t assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria”, Garba said.

He further explained that without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to‎ have a good connection with their electorates

“As a key component of democratic principles are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might”, he said.