Aisha Buhari: Backing Social Media Bill Reveals ‘Concealed Love For Tyranny’ – Nigerians Reply First Lady

Some twitter users have criticized Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari, for declaring support for the controversial Social Media Bill otherwise called the ‘Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill’ being considered for passage by the Nigerian Senate.

The bill proposes a fine of N300,000 for individuals or N10 million for corporate bodies who are found guilty of spreading fake news deemed to threaten national security.

A similar bill known as the ‘Prohibition of Hate Speech Bill’ proposes death penalty, among others, for those found guilty of hate speech.

Aisha had while speaking at the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) general assembly meeting in Abuja on Friday urged the federal government to emulate China by regulating Nigeria’s social media space.

“On this issue of social media, you cannot just sit in the comfort of your house and tweet that the Vice President has resigned. It is a serious issue. If China can control over 1.3 billion people on social media, I see no reason why Nigeria cannot attempt controlling only 180 million people,” the First Lady had said.

But some Nigerians who reacted on Twitter expressed disappointment at the First Lady’s comment.

Some of the twitter users said the statement showed that Mrs Buhari was never on the people’s side as many had thought.

Others said the Nigerian Government should adopt China’s approach of hanging corrupt politicians since the country had become the democratic model for Nigeria.

Below are some of the reactions:

@viva_mazcot tweeted: “Maybe Aisha Buhari is not aware China is practising communism. I was wrong to assume she’s educated enough to understand how democracy works. Her recent call for regulation of social media reveals her concealed love for tyranny. Can’t she propose death penalty for corrupt politicians?” 

@Zaddy_nomso: “Dear Aisha Buhari China also kills their corrupt politicians; we would love Nigeria to start practising that first.”

@DeLordEmperor: “I agree with Aisha Buhari that China regulates TV. Aisha should also agree with China on the policy of hanging corrupt politicians. She should also agree with China on limiting the family members of their politicians from studying and living abroad.” 

@BillAchusim: “China also executes corrupt politicians, Dear Aisha Buhari. If you want to control social media because China does, then you should want that too.”