Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, made a significant call for social media regulation during the recent launch of a book titled ‘National Public Discourse: the interplay between empirical evidence and hyperbole,’ authored by Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, in Lagos. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu expressed concern about the growing influence of social media as a platform for spreading misinformation and ‘alternative facts’ that pose a threat to evidence-based discourse and data-reliant decision-making.
Tinubu’s call for social media regulation comes at a time when the world grapples with the challenges of a ‘post-truth’ era, characterized by emotive arguments that often erode the significance of objective facts. In his speech, Tinubu highlighted the importance of shared truths in maintaining national cohesion and identity, emphasizing the need for evidence-based discussions to counter the spread of misinformation.
The President also acknowledged the increasingly complex global context, with shifting international alliances and crucial domestic policy decisions looming on the horizon. He stressed that the Nigerian government must prioritize data-reliant decision-making to navigate these challenges effectively.
A Scholarly Approach to Addressing the Challenge of Maintaining Factual Public Discourse
During the book launch event, Femi Gbajabiamila echoed Toyosi Akerele’s views on social media, supporting the need for regulation to prevent the spread of false information. Tinubu praised Fashola’s scholarly approach to addressing the challenge of maintaining factual public discourse, expressing his commitment to disseminate the insights from Fashola’s book to improve public discourse and decision-making across government levels.
The event also featured a panel discussion, with various dignitaries in attendance, including Babatunde Fashola, the former Works and Housing Minister, who discussed the need for laws favoring shorter rent tenures in urban centers. Despite the potential backlash, the Nigerian government remains hopeful that the 10th Assembly will take up the bill and follow through on the regulation of social media.
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