Senate withdraws anti-social media bill

The Nigeria’s Senate on Tuesday withdrawn the controversial petition bill, known as Anti-Social Media Bill.

The red chamber announced the decision at plenary after David Umar, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters presented his committee’s report at plenary.

Umar, an All Progressives Congress (APC) senator from Niger state, said his committee recommended the withdrawal of the bill based on the strong opposition to it across the country.

The bill was sponsored by Bala Ibn Na’Allah, an APC lawmaker from Kebbi state.

Meanwhile, Senator Bukola Saraki, Nigeria’s Senate President on his Facebook page said, “As I assured Nigerians during Social Media Week Lagos in February this year, earlier today, following the recommendation for withdrawal from the Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters, we stood down the ‪#‎SocialMediaBill at the 8th Senate.

“This withdrawal was prompted by the fact that any piece of legislation with real or perceived violations on the fundamental rights of Nigerians must be set aside for the greater good of our nation.

“I thank my Distinguished Colleagues for their contributions and decision on this matter.

“As a legislature, we will continue to be responsive to the demands of the Nigerian people whom we serve.”