Following the public outcry over the hate speech bill, the Senate President
Ahmed Lawan has said the Senate won’t pass the proposed anti-free speech bills.
Lawan made the disclosure in response to a detailed protest letter written against
the hate speech bill and anti-social media bill before the senate by the Human
Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA. .
He said legislators will listen to the pulse of the Nigerians who have
rejected the bills and will do exactly as they demanded.
Lawan had in his letter to HURIWA dated November 20th 2019 which was
endorsed by his Chief of Staff; Alhaji Babagana M. Aji but received on December
4th 2019 titled: “RE: WHY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S BILLS AGAINST FREE SPEECH ARE
UNCONSTITUTIONAL: BY HURIWA,” stated as follows: .
“I write to present the compliments
of the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Sen. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan,
Ph.D., CON and to acknowledge receipt of your letter on the above subject
wherein you asked the National Assembly to suspend ad infinitum the current
attempts at introducing obnoxious legislation to curb access to the social
media.” .
“His Excellency is appreciative of your concern towards upholding our
constitution and your members’ continuous use of their talents as writers to
promote, protect and project the human rights of all Nigerians. His Excellency
assures you that the Senate will not pass any anti-people laws.” “While
thanking you, please accept the assurances of the President of the Senate.”