The Nigerian Senate is determined to pass the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation and Other Related Matters Bill 2019 when it resumes next month, reports Sahara Reporters.
The upper legislative chamber will resumed plenary September 15 and the process of passing the controversial bill will kickstart immediately, the news medium quoted a top legislative source as saying.
According to the source, it will be passed without considering the public opinions and Nigerians are expected to accept it having done so to the increased fine for hate speech now pegged at N5million.
During its public hearing in March, Nigerians rejected the bill, mostly citing manipulation by politicians against dissenting voices.
“They have already concluded plans to pass the bill. They are going to hide behind the COVID-19 issue and other national issues and pass the bill without delay. Their plan is to do it once they resume. It is already signed,” the source who pleaded to remain anonymous said.
“I am not sure about that, but they believe that Nigerians will accept it and move on the same way they have accepted the broadcasting code,” it said when asked if the opinions of the public would be considered during its passing.
