President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to be cautious about spreading misinformation online, warning that social media, while empowering, has also accelerated the spread of falsehoods.
Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher, the President said during a national address. This has benefits but also increases the speed and scale of misinformation.
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His remarks have drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some Nigerians expressing concern that the comments could signal renewed government interest in regulating or restricting social media use. This issue has surfaced repeatedly since the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
While the government has not announced any new policy, digital rights advocates note that similar statements in the past have preceded attempts to introduce tighter online regulations.
Analysts say Tinubu’s comments highlight the ongoing tension between maintaining free expression and curbing misinformation in Nigeria’s vibrant but often volatile online space.
As discussions continue, many observers are urging the government to focus on promoting digital literacy and transparency instead of imposing restrictions that could limit open dialogue.
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