Northern governor calls for social media censorship, gives reasons

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has urged the Federal Government to censor contents of the social media platforms in Nigeria to check the spread of misinformation.

The governor said this on Thursday during his decoration as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Niger State Council.

According to Governor Bago, social media regulation would reduce the spread of fake news in the country while promoting objective reportage by practitioners of conventional journalism.

Bago described the role of journalism as vital to the development of any society stressing that journalists have helped in shaping democracy in Nigeria through their reportage.

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“As the fourth estate of the realm, journalists should carry out their duties as watchdogs of the society and ensure the objectivity in their reports,” Bago said.

“I call for the introduction of censorship on social media contents to checkmate the spread of fake news and hate speeches.”

The governor appreciated the NUJ for finding him worthy of the award, noting that it has set a benchmark for him to do more.

He affirmed that his administration will not rest on its oars in its quest to transform Niger State.

The NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzo, who also presented the governor with a certificate, said the honour was in recognition of his exemplary leadership qualities.

Isiguzo disclosed that the conferment on the Governor followed his transformative and developmental strides in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, good governance and education among others.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, also recently called for social media regulation.