The Nigerian Senate has proposed a new bill, which is targeted at controlling deaths that arises from speeches that incites violence, attacking an individuals race, religion, ses-sual orientation, disability or gender.
The bill which was sponsored by the spokesman of the upper chamber, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, became imperative as a result of the elevation of deaths associated with hate speeches.
The bill also seeks for the setting up of an autonomous body, which will compel the observance of the hate speech laws in all 36 States of the country. The ‘Independent National Commission for Hate Speeches’ will not only punish offenders but work towards the total eradication of violence caused by hate site.
The INCHS which will be free of government interference will be headed by an executive chairperson who is to be appointed by the commander in chief, Mr President, on the recommendation of the National Council of State, subject to the confirmation of at least two-third majority of the National Assembly.
The bill further proposed a penalty of “not less than a five-year jail term or a fine of not less than N 10 million or both.” for minor offences which are associated with hate speeches but did not result in the death of an individual.
Noted further in the bill is that; “A person who uses, publishes, presents, produces, plays, provides, distributes and/or directs the performance of any material, written and/or visual, which is threatening, abusive or insulting or involves the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, commits an offence, if such person intends thereby to stir up ethnic hatred, or having regard to all the circumstances, ethnic hatred is likely to be stirred up against any person or person from such an ethnic group in Nigeria.”.
The bill further addresses harassment based on an individuals ethnic group, speeches that dehumanise an individual or targeted at frightening, terrorising or subduing an individual.
“A person subjects another to harassment on the basis of ethnicity for the purposes of this section where, on ethnic grounds, he unjustifiably engages in a conduct which has the purpose or effect of (a) violating that other person’s dignity or (b) creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the person subjected to the harassment.”.
“Conduct shall be regarded as having the effect specified in subsection (1) (a) or (b) of this section if, having regard to all the circumstances, including in particular the perception of that other person, it should reasonably be considered as having that effect.”.
The bill has just been proposed and if it passes the second reading and is passed into law, death caused by bullying which builds up to depression will be minimized. Internet troll at celebrities, government and public figures in general will be put in check.
The bill does not in any way hinder the freedom of speech practiced in Nigeria, but will help censor choice words that has the potential of hurting a person deeply.
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