OPC leader condemns social media bill

Chief Gani Adams, the National Co-ordinator of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), has condemned the Frivolous Petitions Bill pending in the Senate.

The bill seeks to stop the social media from defaming members of the public, including lawmakers.

Adams told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos that the passage of the bill would negate the rule of law and some provisions of the Nigerian constitution.

He said that there were extant laws which regulated the practice of journalism in the country and these were adequate.

" I was disappointed that the Senate President allowed the bill to go for the second reading. The beauty of democracy is allowing people to express their feelings.

"Social media has provided job opportunities for to a lot of our youths and has discouraged youths from social vices by engaging them in profitable actives."

NAN recalls that the Frivolous Petitions Bill was sponsored by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Alla, from Kebbi South Senatorial District.

The bill prescribes a two-year jail term for offenders with option of two million naira fine or both.

Adams, who launched the Odua Voice online radio, television and news magazine outfits in November in London, said that the platforms would provide job opportunities to Nigerians at home and abroad.

The Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation that focuses on African cultures, said that communication on these platforms would be in English language.

"Oodua Voice is a medium to support the cause of the Yoruba - the heritage, the language, music, arts and social-cultural values of the Yorubas.

"Odua Voice online radio and news magazine are platforms that transcend the Yoruba race. They are also about the identities of various tribes in Africa.

"We only used Odua Voice as a brand name, all other tribes are welcome to project their cultures."

On why the studio is in London, he said that the cost of doing business in Nigeria was higher even compared with advanced countries.

Adams said that there was also the need to ensure stable connectivity among of these outlets and get experts who could provide standard Websites for the three platforms.

He said that the contents of their programmes would be designed to accommodate cultures, religions and general information in moderation.

The OPC boss said that the platforms would also be used to achieve purposes.