State governors in the Northern region on Monday declared support for the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s move to regulate the social media in the country.
The governors made known thier decision in a communique read by Simon Lalong, chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) after their meeting in Kaduna State yesterday.
The Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders also attended the meeting.
The forum which said it took note of the devastating effect of the uncontrolled social media in spreading fake news, called for major control mechanisms and censorship of social media practice in Nigeria.
It also expressed support for the reform of the police to strengthen their capacity.
Lai Mohammed, Information Minister, is leading the move on behalf of the federal government to regulate the social media despite rejection by civil society organisations among others who described it as a move to clamp down on dissenting voices.
A bill to that effect has been rejected at the National Assembly but the government appears not backing down on its resolve saying free speech could destroy the country if left unchecked.
