Desmond Elliot Under Attack For Condemning Celebrities, Influencers, Seeking Regulation Of Social Media In Viral Video (watch)

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‘It Has Gone Beyond Reforms’ - Desmond Elliot Backs EndSARS ProtestersDesmond Elliot, lawmaker representing Surulere constituency, has come under heavy attack for condemning celebrities and influencers for their usage of social media especially during #EndSARS protests.

Days ago, popular Twitter influencer, Dr Olufunmilayo revealed that the Lagos State House of Assembly “is developing a bill to regulate and control speech on social media” and that Desmond Elliot “is said to be one of those pushing it”.

However, Desmond Elliot released a video denying this allegation after the social media influencer’s comment went viral and the lawmaker was heavily tongue-lashed.

Dr Olufunmilayo hit back, asking Elliot to release evidence of what he truly said during the plenary session.

Today, a video of Elliot speaking at the Lagos State House of Assembly in relation to Dr Olufunmilayo’s allegations has been made public.

He spoke about the propagation of hate speech, misinformation and other negative impacts of social media in Nigeria especially during the #EndSARS protest.

In the video, the lawmaker could be seen calling on the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly to “address certain things” like “the Nigerian youth, the social media, the social influencers”.

He claimed social media influencers and celebrities promoted the use of violence during and after the #EndSARS protests, a protest which mostly described as peaceful.

Elliot added;

All of these are making the narratives that we are seeing today. Except we’re joking with ourselves. Social media, though good, has its negative impacts.

Elliot referenced the recent #EndSARS protests in the country and according to him “children” were “cursing” elderly politicians on social media, which is against culture.

The actor turned politician called for the regulation of social media, stressing;

When I went through the comment, I could not believe it Mr Speaker. The curses, the abuses from children. And I ask myself ‘Is this Nigeria? What is going on?’ Children cursing?

Mr Speaker, in the next five years, Nigerian is gone if we don’t start now.

The viral video has since sparked outrage from many Nigerians, who have expressed displeasure at the point of view of the lawmaker.

Many slammed him for trying to incite hate against social media which may spark a call for a shut down or an aggressive control of various platforms.

Watch the video below;

See some reactions from furious Nigerians below;

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