Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), has advised media houses, civil society organisations and key stakeholders on responsible use of social media.
Falana, at an event organised by The Centre for Advancement of Civil Liberties and Development in Lagos, said there was the need for individuals to self-regulate the use of social media to avoid the government’s clampdown.
The theme of the event held in Lagos was, ‘Fake News, Internet Shutdown and 2023 Elections.’
Falana said, “I call on the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigerian Union of Journalists and civil society organisations to sit down and ensure that suggestions are made on the responsible use of social media.
“This is necessary so that we will not continue to play into the hands of desperate anti-democratic forces that are bent on regulating the social media to suit their selfish objectives.”
He advised CSOs to engage in active politics, saying it was an active way to change the situation in the country rather than being on the sidelines.
Also speaking, a lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Babajide Obanikoro, said, “I think social media has to be regulated; we have to ensure that anyone pushing out information does so responsibly.’’
