'We Will Squash Anti-Hate Speech Bill On One Condition' - Senate

Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Media, Godiya Akwashiki, has said that the Senate is ready to put an end the hate speech bill only when it is apparent that the bill will result in untold hardship on Nigerians.

Prominent Nigerians have come out to criticise the Bill since its introduction into the Senate, with the former Vice president, Atiku Abubakar, insisting the Bill is an attempt to control the freedom of speech of Nigerians.

The Senate has said that the bill will only be passed or killed depending on the effect it has on the people.

“If it is a bill that will represent the wishes and interests, it would scale second reading. (But) if it is a bill that would create a hardship, or bring crisis for the people of  Nigeria, I want to assure that it will be killed on the floor of the Senate by other senators when it comes for second reading,” he said.

“Yes, it has not been mentioned for the second time on the floor of the senate; even if it scales second reading, it will protect your interests and give immunity without fear or favour. I want to assure you.

“I want to urge Nigerians to exercise patience with the senate because it is not wise or legally right for me to discuss a bill that has not been mentioned for the second time on the floor of the senate,” he said.

“It is just like you are trying to discuss somebody’s sickness when you have not approached a doctor. I want to urge you to be patient when the Bill comes for a second reading; then you will know where the bill is heading.”