Hate speech bill criminal — PDP Legal Adviser

The Hate Speech bill being proposed by the National Assembly has been described as criminal and an insult to the image of the country.

Speaking yesterday in Uyo, National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr Emmanuel Enoidem, said the bill which will affect the freedom of speech is not good for the country.

He likened the bill to Decree 4, enacted by the military government in 1984, saying the provisions of the bill will impact negatively on the nation.

He urged the Press to rise up against it, noting that if the bill becomes law, the Press will be its first victim.

“The Hate Speech bill being considered by the National Assembly is criminal. This is akin to Decree 4. But if you look at Decree 4 and compare it to the provisions of the proposed bill, you will know that it has more negative provisions than the one proposed by the military.

“Who defines what is Hate Speech? If the Press keeps quite about it, they would become the first victim. It is better we stand up and speak against this evil that is coming. The bill is very insulting to the common conscience of the country,’’he said.