Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, reacted to the viral apology video from the man who accused him of plotting to harm his wife, Regina Daniels, by renewing his call for stricter social media regulation in Nigeria.
The lawmaker used the incident as evidence that Nigeria’s social media space is “one of the most unregulated in the world,” where people make “damaging allegations just to chase views” with little fear of consequence.
Nwoko wrote:
“The accompanying video trended a couple of days ago. It is testament to the fact that Nigerian social media space has become one of the most unregulated in the world. Laying very serious allegations has become a common trait to attract millions of views without recourse to the damaging effects on the people involved.”
He added that this situation:
“clearly justifies the urgent need for the social media bill” currently before the National Assembly.
Stressing the need for accountability, the senator maintained that apology is not enough:
“You can’t lie to make money and turn around to apologize after criminally defaming and hurting people.”
Nwoko further argued that foreign social media platforms must be held accountable for content they permit, calling for them to be mandated to register and open offices in Nigeria. This, he asserted, would create jobs, improve tax compliance, and help security agencies track criminal activities.
“It’s Senator Ned today, who knows who is next?” he added, urging public support for his regulatory efforts.