Senate: Those Opposed To Anti-Frivolity Bill Or Parts Of It Have Opportunity To Make Input

In a statement today (Sunday) by its spokesperson, Senator
Aliyu Sabi, the Senate said members of the public, including those for or
against the Anti-Frivolity bill or parts of the bill will have the opportunity
to shape its final outcome as there is an elaborate process which the bill must
undergo before it becomes a law.

It noted that some of the comments on the bill emanated from
misconception and misunderstanding of the objective which it said is meant to
protect all individuals and institutions, including journalists and social
media users.

“The senate is committed to freedom of speech and a
fully inclusive and participatory democracy”.

“The process of passing a bill is comprehensive and
provide for inputs to be taken from all and sundry. The  fist stage is merely to read the short title
of the bill. The second stage is purely to debate the general principles.

“The next stage is committal of the bill to appropriate
committee or committees for further detailed legislative action where the
details, intendment and clause by clause implications of the bill is dissected
by the committee. This stage also involve public hearing in which members of
the public, civil society, non governmental organizations and all interested
parties for or against the bill have the opportunity to shape and influence its
content.

“The outcome from this committee stage is what will be
finalized and then represented to the chamber for clause by clause
consideration and approval or disapproval by the Senate. Thereafter, if the bill
is approved, then the clean version of the bill is forwarded to the House of
Representatives for concurrence or otherwise”, he stated.

The Senate added that the differences that may emerge from
the House of Representatives version will be resolved through the Conference
Committee of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

He added that the anti-frivolity bill will go through the
whole hog and there is no intention to make the process of passing this bill
any different. “Accordingly, the Senate wants to re-assure the public
about this.  So, all those who are either
for or against this bill or its part and any other one have ample opportunities
to reshape it”, he stated.

Senator Sabi further explained that the Eighth Senate is
conscious of its responsibility to the people and will not do anything that
will stifle participation and inclusion. “We will always ensure we pass
laws which meets best practices across the world and indeed democratic
scrutiny. Suggesting that the senate wants to pass a law not even practiced in
China etc is being mischievous.

“This Senate is people-centred, pro-poor and
participatory. We will always act in the best interest of the citizenry. In
this regard, we are totally committed to performing our duties and discharging
our responsibilities without let or hindrance.

“All those spreading hate campaigns as a result of the
Anti-frivolity bill, hauling insults at and making derogatory comments on
Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the institution of the Senate
are advised to key into the elaborate legislative process that a bill must pass
through before becoming law if they are interested in shaping the outcome of
the bill.  This is the right way to go
and part of the change we all aspire for our democracy

“The eighth Senate is totally committed to protecting
the liberty of all Nigerians and the independence of the Senate and the
legislative arm of government as we deepen our democratic journey”, Aliyu
stated.

Signed

Senator Aliyu Sabi

Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs.