Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has distanced himself from the proposed clampdown on social media through regulation.
He also denied media reports that Southwest Governors voted in favour of social media regulation bill.
The Governor clarified what he called “the misrepresentation of the position of the Southwest leaders on the so-called social media bill,” saying;
Contrary to media reports, our position remains that since we already have an extensive Cybercrime Act, 2015 we don’t need any other bills to regulate social media.
The governor said this on Tuesday while inaugurating the Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into police brutality, violation of rights of citizens and unlawful killings at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office, Agodi, Secretariat in Ibadan.
Makinde said the panel is made up of eleven members led by Justice Bolajoko Adeniji (retired), as Chairman of the Panel while Mrs. Oluwafolake Ogundele, an Assistant Director, Department of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice is to serve as Secretary.
Other members of the panel include: Prof. Odutayo Akintayo, Dr Oluwole Akintayo, Mrs. Wumi Odutayo, Mr Nasir Sulaimon, Ms Mary Kolawole, Mr Babatunde Oduyoye, Mrs Maryan Badmus, Mr Falowo Saheed and Mr Agbeja Adebola.
Makinde said about 50 petitions have been received through the official portal created for members of the public to register their complaints.
He expressed;
Members of the panel are drawn from the legal community, the National Human Rights Commission, the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), the National Youth Council of Nigeria, youth representatives of End SARS protesters and the community.
This panel was constituted pursuant to Section 2(1) of the Oyo State Commission of Inquiry Law Cap 32 of the Laws of Oyo State 2000 which empowers the Governor to set up a commission of inquiry. However, as the scope is beyond Oyo State, we’re collaborating with the Federal Government.
Makinde encouraged anyone who has faced human rights abuse in the hands of any of the security forces to use this opportunity to seek justice.
He also said that;
Those responsible for the deaths of Isiaka Jimoh, Ganiyu Moshood Alabi, and Adeoye Taiwo (victims of police brutality) would be brought to book.
Makinde added;
Based on the misrepresentation of the position of the Southwest leaders on the so-called social media bill, contrary to media reports, our position remains that since we already have an extensive Cybercrime Act, 2015 we do not need any other bills to regulate social media.
If anyone wants to sponsor a social media regulation bill, I should categorically be counted out.
Watch a video of the Governor speaking about the proposed social media bill below;
Gov Seyi Makinde has promised to bring to book policemen responsible for the death of Isiaka Jimoh, Ganiyu Moshood and Adeoye Taiwo who died during the #EndSARS protest.
He also disassociates himself from rumours making the rounds that he supported social media regulation. pic.twitter.com/28giyEVYJh
— Oyo Affairs (@Oyoaffairs) November 10, 2020
