Lawyer Dr. Maxwell Opara has criticised the proposed social media regulation bill, describing it as an attempt to suppress dissent and restrict freedom of expression, while insisting that the legislation cannot stand under the Nigerian Constitution.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Opara stated that the bill was designed to intimidate activists, civil society organisations and opposition figures who use digital platforms to criticise government policies.

He maintained that any law inconsistent with the Constitution would ultimately fail, regardless of whether it is passed by the National Assembly.

“I’m telling you that even if the law is enacted, it will not stand. It is dead on arrival.

Opara said the proposed legislation was another effort to silence Nigerians after, according to him, public protests had become increasingly difficult.

“Nobody will cage the civil society group. Nobody will stop activists. Nobody will stop the opposition from expressing their grievances.”

He also questioned the independence of the National Assembly, alleging that lawmakers were more concerned with advancing the interests of the executive than representing ordinary Nigerians.

“We have lost hope in the National Assembly. They are there for themselves. They are not there for the masses.”

According to the lawyer, criticism, protest and opposition are essential features of democracy and should not be restricted through legislation.

“The beauty of democracy is all about criticism. The beauty of democracy is all about protesting.”

Opara further stated that the timing of the proposed bill, with the 2027 general elections approaching, suggested it was aimed at controlling political discourse on social media rather than addressing genuine concerns about defamation.

“This is a calculated attempt to make sure that people did not use social media to expose them and their policies… to let the voters know why this APC-led government should not come back in 2027.”

He insisted that any attempt to criminalise online expression would face legal opposition and prove impossible to enforce on a large scale.

“Nigerians will not obey it. Take it to the bank.”

Opara urged the government to focus on tackling insecurity, terrorism and corruption instead of pursuing legislation that, in his view, seeks to limit citizens’ constitutional rights. (Arise News)

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