The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has blasted the Senate for the introduction of the hate speech bill which seeks death penalty for offenders in the country.
The bill which passed first reading in the red chamber on Tuesday is being sponsored by the former senate spokesman, Aliyu Sabi Abdulahi.
The chairman of NUJ in Ekiti state, Mr Rotimi Ojomoyela who spoke on Thursday, during a public lecture delivered by the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji, Ondo state, Professor Adedayo Fasakin as part of activities for the 2019 press week of the union, noted that the bill when passed would be against masses in the country, saying ” we should not forget that our constitution allows for the citizens to express their views.”
He encouraged the Senate to be busy with bills that would help in transforming the economy of the country where massive job opportunities will be provided for the teeming youths.
Speaking on the topic, ‘ Good Journalism: Impetus for Good Governance and National Development’ Professor Fasakin explained that journalists must be ready to join hands with government through their reportage in ending the growing insecurity, corruption and other vices in the country.
He said media has contributed in no small measure for the enthronement of good governance and nation’s development from the founding of the first newspaper, ‘Iwe Iroyin’ in 1859 by Reverend Henry Townsend in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
While advising government at all levels against gagging the media, the rector called on journalists to keep to their roles in setting agenda for the government in the overall interest of the country.
