President Tinubu Advocates Social Media Regulation to Combat Misinformation
President Bola Tinubu has disclosed plans by the Federal Government to regulate social media to address the proliferation of misinformation and abuse. This announcement was made during a presentation of the book “Nigerian Public Discourse: The Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole” authored by Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Power, Work and Housing, in Lagos.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu highlighted the prevalence of fake information disseminated through social media platforms, leading to misconceptions and confusion among citizens. He emphasized the necessity of regulating social media usage to combat the spread of false realities that deceive and mislead the public.
In his address, President Tinubu underscored the global challenges confronting modern society, including the renegotiation of international settlements and the evolving nature of public discourse. He stressed the importance of evidence-based discourse and data-reliant decision-making, particularly in navigating the complexities of contemporary governance.
President Tinubu expressed concerns about the erosion of truth in public discourse, attributing it to the proliferation of alternative facts propagated through social media channels. He emphasized the need for shared values and a common understanding of reality to foster national cohesion and identity.
Regarding the book authored by Babatunde Fashola, President Tinubu praised its scholarly rigor and insightful analysis of Nigerian public discourse. He commended Fashola’s dedication to addressing societal challenges and lauded the book’s potential to enlighten and influence public discourse positively.
Furthermore, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, echoed the call for social media regulation, emphasizing the importance of regulating the “new media” to safeguard public discourse and ensure responsible communication practices.
As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of the digital age, President Tinubu’s advocacy for social media regulation underscores the government’s commitment to promoting truth, accountability, and responsible citizenship in the digital sphere.
