The highly controversial “Social Medial Bill” is once again trending on social media, and this time, it is due to statements credited to Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari.
As reported by Punch, the First Lady at the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs General Assembly and National Executive Council in Abuja, stated that China regulated the social media of its over one billion citizens and Nigeria should be able to control its own population which is about 200 million.
Aisha’s statement reads, “On this issue of social media, you cannot just sit in the comfort of your house and tweet that the Vice President has resigned. It is a serious issue. If China can control over 1.3 billion people on social media, I see no reason why Nigeria cannot attempt controlling only 180 million people.
Also, the First Lady Aisha Buhari slammed state governors and ministers for failing to provide basic social amenities and infrastructure, lamenting that things were getting out of hand.
“We either fasten our seatbelts, do the needful or we all regret it very soon because at the rate things are going, things are getting completely out of hand. The VP (Yemi Osinbajo) is here. Some ministers are here. They are supposed to do justice to the situation.
“People cannot afford potable water in this country while we have governors. Since this is the highest decision-making body of Islamic affairs, for those that are listening, we should fear God, and we should know that one day, we will return to God and account for our deeds here on earth.”
[READ MORE: Nigerians react to Social Media Bill, mock lawmakers over similarity with Singapore]
Meanwhile, Nigerians are not having it
Nigerians took to Twitter to heavily criticise the First Lady, describing her statement as largely unpatriotic.
According to a Twitter user, Osas Cruz, China executes its corrupt politicians, so the First Lady should advocate for that also.
@theOsasCruz wrote, “Dear…. Aisha Buhari, Now I know Buhari was Right, – Maybe you truly belong in the kitchen. China executes their corrupt politicians, let’s attempt that. Social media is not the problem of Nigeria, Corrupt politicians are the problem we have.”
Twitter user, @Zaddy_Nomso stated, “Dear Aisha Buhari China also kills their corrupt Politicians, we would love Nigeria to start practising that first. Your Aide stole over N2bn, where he saw that money only you know.”
@TosinOlugbenga tweeted; “Since the cabals threatened Aisha Buhari with marrying a new wife for Baba Buhari, the following has happened. She begged Kogi people to re-elect failed Yahaya Bello, She’s supporting the Social Media & Hate speech Bill. The cabal is so powerful, they can shut down anyone.”
Another user, @ayeMojubar says the First Lady’s speech is laughable, “If China can control over 1.3bn people on social media, I see no reason why Nigeria cannot control only 180m people” – Aisha Buhari. Is it not a miracle to see that our First Lady cannot distinguish btw Unitary / One Party State and Democratic State with all our education”
@Obi_Nwosu stated “Dear Aisha Buhari, in china, if a government official is found guilty of corruption, he/she will be shot to death and the bullet is paid for by his/her family. How about we copy this from China, not just social media control”
Another user, @Elhay16 disclosed, “One minute Aisha Buhari is acting like she’s with the masses, the next minute she’s supporting the social media bill and playing solicitor for Yahaya Bello.”
