Following public pressure, Ogun East Senator, Adegbenga Kaka, announced at a press conference Tuesday, he'd removed the controversial provision in the Electronic Fraud and Transactions bill that could have given social media critics a seven year prison sentence for speaking out against the government.
The bill's purpose is to seek stiffer punishment for internet fraudsters and scammers in Nigeria. But the sweeping scope of the provision would have affected the work of journalists and social media critics.
Kaka said the provision conflicted with the Federal Republic of Nigeria constitution, and undermined the rights of the freedom of expression of citizens. He said there is no monopoly on knowledge anywhere in the world.
Shortly after it was revealed that the bill prescribes jail term for social media users in Nigeria, "internet warriors" went to work by bombarding the senator with complaints, on SaharaReporters fan page, the senator was forced to react promising to clean up the bill about a week ago as our fans attacked him vociferously after we condemned the bill.
The controversial provision, section 13 (3) of his bill proposed that anyone sharing false information that could threaten the security of the country, or capable of inciting the general public against the government through electronic message, could face a conviction of seven years imprisonment or a N5 million fine.
The revised bill is before the National Assembly.
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