By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja –
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), says it is not responsible for the regulation of the content of social media networks in the country.
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this on Tuesday at the Public presentation of a new book, “Cyber Politics: Social Media Demography and Voting Behavior in Nigeria,” in Abuja.
He explained that the clarification became imperative following the recent trends in the uncontrolled use of the social media for alleged unwholesome purposes by Nigerian politicians during the 2023 general elections.
Prof. Danbatta, who noted that the use of social media in Nigeria has come to stay, however, decried the high rate of inflammatory contents and politics of enmity on social media by politicians to downgrade their opponents, which according to him, had not added any positive values to the political process.
He said: “NCC doesn’t regulate the content of social media but we regulate the infrastructure in which social media are hosted, ensuring that quality of service and experience are of high standard comparable to any part of the world.”
Danbatta, however, commended the celebrant-author, Dr. Omoniyi P. Ibietan, who is the Commission’ Head, Media Relations, for joining the league of writers, and has chosen to document his ideas.
“Omoniyi and I have something in common, which is our love for literary work. Am fascinated by the efforts he has put into the production of this book. People who sit down and put their thoughts in writing are some of the most intelligent people in our society and am opportune to put down an excellent foreword for the book.
“And, today we have a dedicated staff of the Commission who have devoted time to write this beautiful book. Perhaps when you write your new book, you will dedicate a chapter for a responsible way using social media to do politic,” he said.
He recommended the book to the audience and assured that no one would regret reading it.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Frank Nweke jr, in his remarks, said the book would serve as a reference point for the blueprint on sought for insight and strategies that would greatly impact practical communication and societal transformation in Nigeria.
Chief Nweke, who was the Enugu State Governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said the book serves as a body of work that deftly captures the impact of social media on electoral choices in Nigeria.
“Having come out of the election myself, I recognise the opportunity provided by social media. But I also worry about its adverse impact, the issues about fake news and their potential, not just to undermine, libel and slander people but to precipitate conflict. So, it is something that government must continue to work on, professional associations need to work on to ensure that society is protected from such hazards”.
“Considering the recent part social media has played in Nigeria’s political history, I strongly recommend this book for practitioners and academicians in the fields of strategic communications, new technologies, politics, and social change”, he said.
Speaking on why he embarked on the book project, Dr. Omoniyi, said the book was written out of his passion for research and hopes that history will be kind to him.
“Cyber Politics in Nigeria is fundamentally a subject of research. As we all know, research is intrinsic to the solving of societal problems,” he .
According to him, social media from my survey constituted less than 10 per cent in helping voters to decide who to vote for, adding that social media remains critical but operates in the context of certain mediating factors and influences.
Dr. Omoniyi, further, appreciated the management and staff of NCC, friends and Premium Times Books for their numerous supports which led to the achievement of this giant stride.
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