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…appeals for speedy legislative work
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Paradigm Initiative (PIN) have criticized the delay in completion of legislative work in Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, demanding expedite action on the new which, they said, will be re-introduced in the 10th National Assembly.
They organizations said the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill holds significant importance in safeguarding and upholding the rights of individuals in the digital space, and in addition to that, addresses various aspects including, digital privacy, freedom of expression online, and access to the Internet as a fundamental right.
Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan, told journalists at stakeholders’ meeting to examine and review discussions on the new version of the Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill (DRFB), in Abuja, on Wednesday, expressed optimism that lawmakers would take necessary and speedy actions on the bill as soon as possible that will, expectedly, culminate in passage of the bill.
He said the Bill was sent to the National Assembly in 2016, and had passed through the two Chambers, but the then President, Muhammadu Buhari, declined to sign the bill citing some reasons.
“What we did afterwards was to go back and look at some of the reasons they gave for not signing the bill, re-adjust the bill and re-introduce it to the 9th National Assembly.
“Now that we have a new National Assembly, we are re-introducing a new version of the bill which is not too different from the original version, but has incorporated feedbacks from the government, Civil Society Organisations, private sectors and all stakeholders. We are trusting that as a bill that has been passed before, it will enjoy some accelerated legislative process in the National Assembly.
Executive secretary, NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, represented by the Director, Legal Services and Enforcement, NHRC, Rabi Auwalu Anwar, in his remarks, noted that the digital space has become an integral part of everyday life for many Nigerians, hence the need for adequate legislation to reduce the risk of abuse and infringement of digital rights.
He stressed the need for legislation that would protect the freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information online. “It is necessary to establish these measures that uphold the sanctity of citizens’ rights.
“The enactment and passage of the Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill will, unarguably, positioned Nigeria as a leader in the protection of digital rights and online freedoms. The bill is oriented towards safeguarding the rights of Nigerian internet users.
“In addition to that, it will shield Nigerians from encroachments upon their fundamental freedoms, and also impose sanctions on offenders and violators of digital rights and freedoms, thereby, ensuring a secure and enabling online environment for all.”
The Commission urges that, while the Bill is being considered for reintroduction to the National Assembly, there is a need to address these concerns to forestall any clog in the President’s assent to the Bill.”
Senior Programmes Officer, Anglophone, West Africa, PIN, Khadijah El-Usman, also urged members of the National Assembly to heed the call and take concrete steps towards the passage of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, thereby demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to upholding digital rights and freedoms for all its citizens.
