Buhari reacts to Social Media Bill; 'I'm committed to Free Speech'

President Buhari on Monday reacted to the proposed Social Media Bill by the Nigerian Senators, saying he's committed to free speech in the country and will not assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria.

Buhari who spoke through his spokesman Shehu Garba, sworn to defend the constitution of Nigeria and would not lend his hand to anything that is inconsistent with the constitution.

"But he is not averse to lawful regulation, so long as that is done within the ambit of the constitution which he swore to uphold.''

''Free speech is central to democratic societies anywhere in the world and without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about governance issues.

''As a key component of democratic principles, people in democratic societies are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might''

Shehu explained that President Buhari is fully aware of the public reservations about the proposed legislation but assured that there is no cause for alarm ''because the Senate is a democratic senate. The President won’t assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria.''