Reps Speaker Advocates Dialogue Over Censorship in Tackling Digital Threats

By Muhammad Muntazar

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, has emphasized that combating misinformation and digital security risks requires open dialogue, education, and constructive engagement—not censorship or forceful measures.

He made these remarks while delivering a keynote address at the ‘New Media Exchange 2025’, an initiative organized by his office on Monday. The event aims to foster structured discussions between Nigeria’s Parliament and digital media stakeholders.

Held under the theme “Smart Cities and Ethical Media: Navigating the Role of Policy in National Development”, the forum explored the balance between governance, technological innovation, and responsible communication.

“We are not unmindful of the challenges posed by misinformation, digital security threats, and the misuse of online platforms. Nonetheless, our approach shall remain rooted in dialogue, education and constructive engagement, rather than censorship or coercion,” Tajuddeen stated.

He added that discussions would focus on legislative responses to digital responsibility, countering disinformation, upholding national values online, and the impact of public policy on smart infrastructure and sports development.

A key feature of the event was a simulated legislative session involving young Nigerians, designed to demystify parliamentary processes and promote participatory governance.

Meanwhile, in a presentation titled “Balancing Freedom of Speech Against National Interest”, Dr. Joe Abah, former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, noted that Nigeria’s constitutional history has consistently upheld free expression. “Since independence, the 1960 Constitution guaranteed freedom of expression,” he said.

“It was reinforced in the 1979 Constitution, and Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution states that ‘Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.’”

Abah further highlighted that international frameworks, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, have strengthened these protections.