FG seeks support from leaders of the South-East in regulating social networks
On Saturday, the federal government requested support from governors and leaders of southeastern provinces in regulating social media to control fake news and misinformation from Nigerians.
Minister of Information and Culture Mr. Lai Mohammed presented the address when he spoke about the interaction of the presidential delegation with the governors of the Southeast and other leaders of the region in Enugu.
Mohammed said the #EndSARS protest and campaign, which has become violent and destructive in the country, was triggered by fake news due to negative use of social media.
The alleged massacre that led to the EndSARS protest only happened on social media, he said.
He said that some Nigerians were fooled by fake news on social media, which turned out to be hatred of police, public and private property.
“It’s time to regulate social media; regulation in this term does not mean stopping or shutting down social networks, but increasing the responsibility of their users.
“This is necessary in order for social media and their content to be used for positive action and to promote peace and unity in the country,” he said.
He said increasing social media accountability would help control the sad experience of hate speech emanating from a fake message in Rwanda, where more than 800,000 people were killed.
The minister also listed various social intervention programs aimed at young people to attract them and create financial opportunities for them and other Nigerians.
He cited initiatives to include the € 75 billion Youth Aid Fund; 75 Billion Euro MSME Fund, N-Power Scheme, Artisan Financial Lending Scheme, Trader’s Money and Farmers’ Money.
He said that no administration in the country’s history has implemented as many intervention programs to reduce poverty and create jobs as it does today.
Earlier, the head of the presidential delegation, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, said that the delegation wishes to sincerely engage with regional leaders to understand the needs of the region and assure them of the unwavering support of the federal government.
Gambari, chief of staff to President Muhammad Bukhari, said the delegation needed more information about the unemployment rate and its socio-economic impact on people.
“The issue of insecurity in all forms within the zone will be resolved, since no country or people will develop in an atmosphere of massive destruction of both state and private property.
“Our diversity is our strength as a nation and we want to hear everything from every angle,” he said.
Speaking also, Inspector General of Police Mohammad Adamu condemned the number of police killed, as well as the massive destruction of police stations and operational vehicles during the captured EndSARS protests across the country.
However, Adamu urged the leaders of the region to stand up against the rampant destruction and from now on to dissuade young people from destroying what was built with public money.
“The police and its structures are created to serve people.
“We will not be able to perform optimally if we do not receive the support and support of the civilian population, especially local leaders,” he said.
Other members of the presidential delegation include Dr. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labor and Productivity; Mr. Jeffrey Onyama, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Uchenna Ogah, Minister of State for Trade and Investment.
Source: – Vanguard
