President Tinubu Expresses Fears About Social Media, Calls For Regulation

Despite lamentations from Nigerians about the economic hardship, which has more than tripled since the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, the president has insisted on regulating the use of social media.

President Tinubu expressed fears that social media is capable of bringing about instability in the nation in a statement read by his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Thursday during the launch of a book written by former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola.

“The social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated. As many people do not understand that once the send button is hit, there is a potential to reach millions of people around the world, which is capable of causing a great danger not just in the society but even unintended consequences to the individuals that are receiving information which may include security of life,” President Tinubu said.

“As citizens become more interested in governance, it is the government’s obligation to ensure that engagement with citizens springs with shared agreement on what the truth is, what is real and what is not.”

President Tinubu’s comments come amidst fears that citizens might embark on a nationwide protest due to the unending rise in the cost of living.

Related: President Tinubu Appeals To Multinational Companies Not To Leave Nigeria

Nigerians are known for expressing their anger on social media and calling for a change, as seen during the #EndSARS protest, which started online and spread across the entire federation.