First, it was the controversial N8.64bn wardrobe allowance for the then newly sworn in National Assembly members. Then, the most incredulous and shocking one so far…in what was described by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, as “a watershed moment in our vision to take lawmaking back to the people,” the Senate President’s Suggestion box was launched. Just in case you haven’t been in tune with happenings in Nigeria’s political space; yes, you read right. Suggestion boxes were launched in the chambers of the nation’s highest lawmaking body. In the 21st century. In this digital/technological age. Ribbons were used for decoration and a tape was cut (you get the drift…all the works were in place) to launch suggestion boxes by our senators. Then, the latest may just be the final straw that breaks the proverbial camel’s back- the proposed clampdown on social media critics who “falsely” criticise public officials or institutions.
Since its inauguration in June, it is safe to say that the Nigerian Senate has been on a roller coaster of gaffes in the course of discharging its duties. What is not certain is if these series of errors have been committed as a deliberate affront to the people of Nigeria, or if they are a reflection of innocuous mistakes made by a “teething” Senate. The proposed social media bill is one gaffe too many, and our lawmakers may just have bitten more than they can chew if the outrage on social media is anything to go by. It is sad and unfortunate that Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah, a member of the “Change” chanting All Progressives Congress, could conceive this idea, let alone propose it to his colleagues. It is worse that it is actually being considered to be passed into law.
During the launch of Saraki’s suggestion box, the Senate President reiterated the legislators’ commitment to ensuring Nigerians are given the opportunity to engage the upper legislative house robustly by encouraging an enabling environment for feedback from the ordinary man on the streets. In his words: “A strong feedback mechanism that is non-discriminatory, direct, open-minded, uninhibited and continuous…” hence the decision to make suggestion boxes available for that purpose. It is baffling that the lawmakers expect that Nigerians scattered all over the country should have access to a box that is placed in a guarded location inside the National Assembly complex. One wonders what other medium provides all the characteristics listed by the Senate President aside from the social media. A platform that they have now ironically declared a “fatwah” on.
During the electioneering, the same politicians who are now seeking to muzzle users of social media to deployed media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to drive their narratives and political campaign. A number of them employed Twitter overlords and celebrities to campaign for them via these sites. But for some reason, they seem to have suddenly developed amnesia now that they have benefited from social media. In this day and age where information and free speech is encouraged, who contemplates stifling the voice of the people? In the first place, why should a servant of the people be averse to criticism? The ordinary man who is not in government gets criticised daily. As a matter of fact, whether a person is in the private or the public sector, it is virtually impossible to live a life that is devoid of criticism, and even insults from time to time. It’s the way the world works! Anyone who desires to do anything tangible or make a significant contribution to humanity must be ready to face opposition. This should be a no-brainer for our lawmakers.
In a country where major challenges in security, the health sector, education, the oil and gas sector and virtually every sector of the economy remain an embarrassing albatross, it is heartbreaking to realise that the people whom Nigerians spent hours in long queues, and the scorching sun voting for have turned around so soon to stab them in the back. It may interest our lawmakers to know that a huge percentage of the people who actively use social media are the youths, and any attempt to stifle the voice of this category of people (many of whom are already frustrated by the system due to the pervading unemployment and a country that increasingly shows them that they hardly matter in the scheme of things) will be resisted to the uttermost.
Already the “Say No To Social Media Bill” hashtag has been trending on Twitter. There have been talks of moves to recall Na’allah by his constituency. A step in the right direction if you asked me.
I am also aware that a few senators have distanced themselves from the obnoxious bill. This is good, but they will only be taken seriously when they speak against it on the floor of the house. How can our lawmakers quickly forget the huge role social media played in fighting societal ills and advancing worthy causes such as the “Occupy Nigeria” movement, the Ebola awareness campaign and the Bring Back Our Girls hashtag which went viral quickly and ended up getting worldwide attention.
Social media is the place of solace for the ordinary Nigerian. It is provides an avenue for him to air his views and vent his frustrations about issues freely. To attempt to take that away from him would be tantamount to embarking on a suicide mission. The draconian bill must not see the light of day. Perhaps, our lawmakers need to be told the legislative interventions Nigerians need them to urgently attend to, the much waited Petroleum Industry Bill and the Railway (1965) Amendment Bill are unfortunately gathering dust in some shelves. They deserve to be brought out and passed into law if the overpaid and underperforming lawmakers want to be taken seriously as representatives of the people.
PUNCH
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