By Mattex Omonext, Delta
The Head of Legal Unit of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, South-South Zone, Mr. Godwin Umukoro on Tuesday called on Nigerian youths make use of the social media to promote human right activities.
CDHR said the Social Media Regulatory Bill as well as the Hate Speech Bill were brought to control the right to “free speeches” of Nigerians.
The legal practitioner made the assertion at the symposium organized by the CHDR, Delta State Chapter.
Umukoro, a guest speaker at the event said the bills are political motivated , pointing out that it will be used to victimize the people of Nigeria.
While noting that former Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki prevented the bill from scaling through during his tenure, Umukoro said he still expects members of the current senate must to dismiss the bills.
He pointed out that the original bill prescribes death sentences for offenders, adding that there are lot of hate speeches on the social media but he insisted that the two bills will be abused.
“Before you know, a policeman will arrest you for hate speech. They charge you to Court. Maybe you will be free at the end of the day but you may have gone through pains.”
Umukoro urged members of the CDHR especially the youths to use the social media spaces to promote human rights struggles to bring about development in their areas.
According to him,”You must come across these hurdles, you must come across security agencies. There must be repressions.”
Umukoro said the security agencies don’t recognize human rights.
“We need to protect each others right. You can breach the right of your neighbour. It’s not only the Government that breaches the rights of her citizens.
” Fight for promotion of human rights. You will have a society where there will be peace and such a society will bring development.”
The symposium centred on the promotion o human rights was in commemoration of the 71st United Nation’s International Human rights day 2019.
The theme is; “The role of youths in promoting human rights for sustainable development.”
In attendance were CDHR National Vice President, Comrade Prince Kehinde-Taiga, Mr. Sunny Enenuwevdia, former CDHR National President, Comrade Jonathan Giama, Delta State Secretary of CDHR, Comrade Butler Okpako Yisah, Vice Chairman, CDHR, Delta State and Rev.(Mrs.) Gladys Oluwalumiya.
