A bill seeking two years imprisonment with an option of N2 million fine for any Nigerian who posts abusive statements on the social media has passed its second reading in the Senate.

According to the bill, any person through text message, tweets, or through social media posts any abusive statement knowing same to be false with intent to set the public against any person or group of persons, an institution of government or such other bodies established by law shall be guilty of an offence.

Upon conviction, the person will be liable to an imprisonment for two years or a fine of N2 million.

The bill is sponsored by the Deputy Leader of the Senate, Bala Ibn Na’Allah.

It also seeks to make unlawful the submission of any petition or statement intended to report the conduct of any person for the purpose of an investigation, inquiry and or inquest without a dully sworn affidavit in the High Court of a State or the Federal High Court, confirming the content to be true, correct and in accordance with the Oaths Act.

•Adapted from a Channels TV report. Photo shows sponsor of the bill, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah.