Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has advised publishers of online media organisations to separate the real professionals among them from those using the platform to blackmail law- abiding Nigerians.
A statement by his Special Assistant (New Media), Bankole Omishore, on Friday, quoted him as saying this while receiving the President of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, who was accompanied by a member of the Executive Committee of the association, Mr. Daniel Elombah, in his office.
The senate president was said to have given assurance to the online publishers that the red chamber had no intention to pass any legislation to control or gag the press.
He encouraged OPAN to do its part to ensure that international best practices are quickly established to enable the country to increase its learning phase from the wholesome adoption of data communication.
He also said the bill should be supported to sift the real online publishers and journalists that follow the ethos and ethics of sound journalism practices from those that simply set up to use their platforms to extort and blackmail.
The senate president seized the opportunity of the meeting to explain the method of presenting, processing and eventual passage of bills, especially a private member bill like the frivolous petitions bill.
He noted that the senate had made good use of various online and social media platforms to deliver on this mandate and wish to do more.
The senate president also cited instances before, during and after the elections when social media played a major role in ensuring accountability in government. This, he said, the senate would ensure is sustained.
Saraki, who described himself as ardent user of social media, assured the practitioners that he will in no way, support any form of censorship or attempt to slow the progress made so far.
Awoyemi, assured the senate president that members of OPAN are credible publishers of online platforms and newspapers modelling their platforms along best practices.
He also disclosed that efforts were underway to strengthen the industry, through a better self-regulation strategy.
Awoyemi urged Saraki to sustain the current conversation in a collaborative manner that builds consensus between key stakeholders, judiciary and legislature to enable the country to respond positively to the discomforting aspects of the current situation.”
