Benue PDP Asserts Citizens’ Right to Social Media Freedom
The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to Governor Hyacinth Alia, emphasizing that he lacks the authority to regulate social media activity within the state.
In response to a directive from Governor Alia’s media aide, Asortar James, instructing netizens to report only verified accounts of violence perpetrated by herdsmen and bandits in the state, the PDP Benue released a statement through their spokesperson, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom.
Iortyom pointed out a fundamental error in James’ approach, asserting that neither he nor the governor possesses the jurisdiction to enact laws governing social media usage.
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He clarified that the power to legislate in Nigeria is vested in the appropriate branches of government, primarily the National Assembly, which is responsible for regulating media practices.
“The media aide has no powers to regulate the use of social media,” Iortyom asserted. “Should he feel strongly about what anyone does there, he may approach the law courts, which alone have the powers to determine what is acceptable and what isn’t on that space, in line with the law.”
Iortyom emphasized the imperative need for citizens to report incidents of violence occurring throughout the state, especially given the governor’s infrequent commentary on these matters despite their alarming regularity.
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He acknowledged the governor’s stance against using propaganda as a tool to address insecurity, but stressed that a silenced populace only empowers their oppressors.
He concluded by affirming that the people of Benue will continue to utilize every available means to draw attention to the atrocities committed against them by bandits and terrorists, and no individual, no matter how influential, will deter them from doing so.
