A bill seeking to establish an ‘Independent National Commission for Hate Speeches’ is being processed by the Senate but the legislation has attracted condemnation from members of the public. LEKE BAIYEWU examines the issues
“There are punitive measures such as life imprisonment. And if there is any loss of life, the person would be punished with death by hanging,” said Senator Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi, who is sponsoring the controversial ‘Hate Speech Bill.’
Sabi-Abdullahi is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs and represents the Niger North Senatorial District in the Senate. His bill is seeking the establishment of an agency to be known as the ‘Independent National Commission for Hate Speeches’.
Under the proposed law, an offence, such as harassment on the grounds of ethnicity or racial contempt would attract “not less than a five-year jail…
Read More…..Punch Newspapers
