SERAP Threatens Legal Action, Urges Akpabio and Abbas to Withdraw Social Media Regulation Bill
SERAP Threatens Legal Action, Urges Akpabio and Abbas to Withdraw Social Media Regulation Bill
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to immediately withdraw a proposed bill it described as a “backdoor social media shutdown bill,” warning that it will institute legal action if the legislation proceeds.
In a statement, SERAP argued that the proposed legislation poses a serious threat to the constitutional rights of Nigerians, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, access to information and digital communication. The organisation maintained that any attempt to impose sweeping restrictions on social media platforms would undermine democratic principles and civic participation.
The rights group alleged that the bill could be used to censor online speech and suppress dissent, urging the leadership of the National Assembly to halt further consideration of the proposal in the interest of protecting fundamental human rights.
According to SERAP, any law capable of arbitrarily restricting access to social media or digital platforms would be inconsistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. The organisation insisted that legislation affecting digital rights should promote openness, accountability and the free exchange of ideas rather than limit them.
SERAP further warned that it is prepared to challenge the bill in court should lawmakers fail to withdraw it, stressing that the judiciary remains an important avenue for safeguarding constitutional freedoms.
The development has generated renewed debate over internet freedom and digital rights in Nigeria, with civil society organisations and policy experts calling for broad public consultations before the passage of any legislation that could affect online expression.
As discussions continue, stakeholders have urged lawmakers to ensure that any reforms targeting the digital space strike a balance between national security concerns and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
