No Attacks Will Stop Review Of Broadcasting Code – Lai Mohammed

Posted by: Folamidavid in News, Politics Oct 21, 2019

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said no number of attacks, sponsored or not, will prevent the implementation of approved recommendations on reform of broadcasting code.

Lai disclosed this on Sunday at a meeting with Online Publishers in Lagos.

He added that it is not a move to hamper free speech but to prevent the spread of fake news and hate speech.

His words, “Let me be straight: No amount of attacks, sponsored or otherwise, will stop the implementation of the approved recommendations.

“Only non-patriots and anarchists will kick against measures aimed at putting an end to fake news and hate speech, especially in our broadcast industry.

“Only those who are guilty should be afraid of the efforts to sanitize the broadcast industry. Responsible broadcasters have nothing to fear.

“This is not a move to stifle free speech or gag anyone. But purveyors of fake news and hate speech should not expect to sleep easy.”

Mohammed also reminded that he launched the National Campaign Against Fake News in July 2018 in Abuja.

He said, “While the national campaign has succeeded in putting the issue of fake news and hate speech on the front burner of national discourse, the menace has yet to go away.

“Let me be clear: we didn’t think the issue will suddenly disappear, but we also didn’t think it will get worse, which is what it is now.

“In fact, it remains a clear and imminent danger to the polity. It is in this light that we are once again asking you to join us in pushing this campaign.”