President Tinubu's Chief of Staff Advocates for Regulation of Social Media
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has called for the regulation of social media, labeling it a societal menace. He made this statement while representing President Tinubu at the public presentation of a book titled "Nigerian Public Discourse: The Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole," authored by Minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, in Lagos.
According to a statement by Tunde Alao, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Media), Gbajabiamila emphasized the potential dangers of social media, highlighting the ease with which misinformation can spread to millions worldwide, posing risks to societal order and individual security.
The event, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu's deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, underscored the importance of evidence-based discussions and data-reliant decision-making in governance. Gbajabiamila stressed the government's obligation to ensure engagement with citizens based on shared understanding of truth and reality.
Commending the author for encapsulating his experiences as a former governor and member of the federal executive council, Gbajabiamila emphasized the necessity of accurate data for effective policy formulation and execution.
Obafemi Hamzat reiterated the significance of accurate data in addressing national challenges, emphasizing its crucial role in policy formulation for national development. He highlighted the importance of data even in daily activities like construction, where correct information is vital for assessing threats.
Author Babatunde Fashola expressed optimism about the potential positive outcomes of the book's contributions to national development. Based on his 21 years of experience in public office, the book addresses various public issues, initiating what he believes will be a productive conversation towards national progress.
In the past, there have been debates over social media regulation, with advocacy groups like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urging lawmakers to reject bills that could unduly restrict freedom of expression and privacy. They cautioned against government efforts to compel technological firms to limit fundamental human rights online.
