The Federal Government of Nigeria has been criticised by stakeholders for trying to stifle freedom of speech in the country. This is for budgeting N336m to fight hate speech and fake news in the country.
This said sum is reflected in the 2021 budget proposal presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari few days ago.
According to what was stipulated in the budget, the money will be used for special enlightenment campaign on government policies and programmes.
The statement reads in part: “ERGP9124023 Special enlightenment campaign on government policies and programmes; testimonial series to gauge the impact of government policies on the citizenry, advocacy against fake news, hate speech, farmers-herder clashes, banditry, rape etc. ongoing- N336,015,959.”
Despite criticisms by Nigerians on the hate speech bill, which has been seen as a means to stifle freedom of speech, the government has still gone ahead to take measures that will threaten the freedom of expression of citizens.
