Fake News: We’ll not trample on rights, press freedom, FG pledges

BrandPower Magazine 16/10/2023Last Updated: 16/10/2023

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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Fake News, Media

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that it will not trample on people’s right and press freedom in the fight against fake news and disinformation in the country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

Idris called on Nigerians to always “promote the truth and nothing but the truth”.

“We must be in the fore front of advocating for truthful information all the time. Everything that is fake should not be promoted.

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“This is because, it can lead to anarchy and destruction of lives and properties. And by the way, nobody will want his home, country, state or nation to be in taters because somebody is encouraging fake news.

“Fake news should be condemned in all its ramifications. I have said that it is important for all of us to be careful in the way we navigate these waters. We know that we don’t want fake news,” he said.

The Minister further explained that there are people who are using so many platforms to provide credible information, adding that such is desirable and should be emulated.

“So, we must collectively come together and see ways and means by which these fake news can be tackled without necessarily trampling on the rights of the the people, free press and freedom of information,” he said

The minister said that Nigeria will key into the strategies and best practices to be adopted by the international community in the curtailment of fake news vendors.

The federal government recently unveiled a bill aimed at regulating digital platforms.

The proposed legislation, which has been submitted to the National Assembly, seeks to repeal and reenact the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, CAP L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

During a meeting at the commission’s headquarters with Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Balarabe Ilelah, the Director-General of the NBC, referred to social media as a “monster” and emphasized the need for this bill.

He explained that the existing law does not provide the NBC with the authority to oversee and regulate social media platforms.

Ilelah informed the public that “a bill for an act to repeal and amend the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) act has been read for the first time on the floor of the National Assembly.”

https://fmino.gov.ng/minister-of-information-urges-advertising-regulator-to-promote-local-content/

Highlighting the pressing issue of social media, Ilelah explained, “One of our major problems now is social media. Unless there is a law that allows NBC to address social media issues, the problem will persist in our daily lives in this country.” Local media reported.