CAN Rejects Social Media Regulations, Demands Attention On Youths
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday rejected the proposed social media regulation in the country, describing such legislation as government’s dubious way of gagging the citizens
For CAN, the Federal Government should rather focused on ensuring promises made to Nigerian youths regarding Police reforms are fulfilled, while also improving governance system that would be beneficial to Nigerians.
Coming on the heels of recent Northern Governors and leaders’ support for social media regulation, the Christian body vowed to resist any attempt by government to regulate the sector which it noted has largely given Nigerians freedom to speak and express themselves.
It argued that endorsing such a controversial legislation could lead to negative reactions from Nigerian youths and eventually escalate into another round of public protests in the country.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, President of CAN Youth wing, Apostle Andy Nyeneime, said government must recognized the existence of genuine social media users who eke out a living and positively impact society through the platform.
Apostle Nyeneime therefore urged caution given the likely adverse impact government censorship could have on many enterprising youths with genuine income sources from the social media.
He said it is important for government to thread with caution and drop current moves at gagging social media, adding that conscious efforts should be focused more on viable options at managing the expectations of Nigerian 21st century youths fast becoming social media addicts.
According to Apostle Nyeneime, “Social media is a strong platform that can be used to sharpen discussions, even though it has negative side. Millions of people make their daily living from social media, even when some people claim that it destroys. Millions of others are also learning from social media.”
The CAN Youth Leader, who condemned the shooting of peaceful #EndSARS campaigners at Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos, said; “In fact, Facebook seems to be the strongest religion in the world. The fact that there are few negative side to it does not mean that there are no good sides.”
“Undoubtedly, the positive side of social media outweighs the negative side”, Nyeneime said
