The Senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang has said he
will not be party to, nor grant consent to any proposed legislation by
the National Assembly that will compromise or subvert the fundamental
rights of Nigerians and in particular, the right to freedom of speech
and expression guaranteed by the nation’s constitution.
He equally said that as a representative of the people, he cannot be
party to any legislation that will deprive Nigerians the right to
“freedom of speech and expression”, adding that backing such legislation
is “tantamount to endorsing and introducing a regime of tyranny”.
Senator Gyang disclosed this through his Special Adviser on Media and
Protocol, Hon. Musa Ashoms, in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
He said, “The Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District
has been inundated with messages, calls, emails, chats on WhatsApp and
direct contact by citizens who are agitated and had to express their
displeasure over the ‘Hate Speech’ and ‘Protection from Internet
Falsehood and Manipulation’ Bills currently undergoing passage into law
by the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The views expressed by many Nigerian citizens and even foreign
nationals who have reached him all voiced out against the passage of the
two Bills.
“The views so expressed align with his thoughts and position as the Senator representing Plateau North”, he maintained.
“Moreso that there are extant laws in our jurisprudence that address the concerns raised by the two Bills.
According to him, “Having sworn to an oath to defend the Constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Senator I.D.
Gyang will not be a party to, nor grant consent to any proposed
legislation that will compromise nor subvert the fundamental rights of
citizens and in particular, the right to freedom of speech and
expression guaranteed by the same Constitution.
“To deprive citizens of the right to freedom of speech and expression
is tantamount to endorsing and introducing a regime of tyranny”, he
warned.
“This becomes even more draconian when death sentence has been prescribed as penalty in the Hate Speech Bill.
He however said, “In furtherance of citizens participation in the
making of any legislation, Sen. Gyang has, with effect from Monday 25th
November, 2019, open a register at his Constituency office, ‘The Peoples
Parliament’ No.1 Ibrahim Alfa Road, Giring Abattoir Jos for citizens to
sign and make their position known on the two Bills.
“The Distinguished Senator shall table all the views so canvassed on
the two Bills before the Senate as the voice and wish of the people of
Plateau North”, he stressed.