The Social Media Bill in a Giffy? PulseNG

We explain what the social media bill is about and why it's generating so much anger in the social media space. Nigerians on social media have been clamouring against a bill that will regulate the online space in the country should it become law.

For purposes of clarity, it's important to state that there are actually two bills out there agitating the minds of social media users in Nigeria at the moment. There is the ‘Hate Speech Bill’ and the ‘Social Media Bill’. Both bills are not one and the same, even though they have been conflated in discourses on the internet.

The hate speech bill, otherwise called the ‘Prohibition of Hate Speech Bill’ is being championed by Sen. Sabi Abdullahi (APC, Deputy Chief Whip), while the social media bill, otherwise called the ‘Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill’ is the brainchild of Sen. Mohammed Sani Musa.
There are allegations that the bills have been plagiarized from similar pieces of legislation in Singapore and elsewhere, but we'll pass for now.

The social media bill passed the second reading on the floor of the senate on Wednesday, November 20, 2019; which means it’s well on its way to becoming law, seeing as it is only one more reading and assent by the executive, away.

Musa says his bill will not gag social media users should it become law as is being propagated. He also says his piece of legislation only seeks to check the spread of fake news and falsehood. He cites the ‘Jubril from Sudan’ saga and tale as one reason why he’s doing this.

According to Musa: “One of the disadvantages of the internet is the spread of falsehood and manipulation of unsuspecting users.

“Today, motivated by geopolitical interest and identity politics, state and non-state actors use the internet to discredit government, misinform people and turn one group against the other. The hoax about the demise of President Muhammadu Buhari in London and his purported replacement by one Jubril of Sudan, among others, are things that threaten the peace, security and harmony of our people”.

Musa also lamented that troll or bot accounts have been used to rapidly spread falsehood across Nigeria in a manner that now threatens national security. If the bill becomes an Act, anyone found guilty will pay a fine of N300,000 and corporate bodies who willfully promote and dispense fake news or falsehood deemed to threaten national security, will pay a fine of N10 million.

“Penalty for defaulters goes up to N300,000 for individuals and up to N10 million for corporate organisations and imprisonment of up to three years or both. It also issues guidelines for internet intermediaries and providers of mass media services and sanctions for offenders,” the lawmaker says. The bill has 36 clauses which we shall carefully explore when the legislation becomes public and is readily available.

Senators Ibrahim Gobir, Abba Moro and Elisha Abbo vehemently supported the bill during plenary this week. Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu East) was the only senator who opposed the bill on the floor of parliament when it came up for debate.

According to Nnamani, the bill is completely unnecessary because some of its provisions have been taken care of in the Cyber Crime Act signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I not only oppose this bill, I condemn it in its entirety. Based on our constitution, there is freedom of information and freedom of speech. There is a Cyber Crime Act that deals with this issue. There are also laws that deal with false information, libel, slander and so on. Yes, fake news has done a lot in America and other countries but they have not brought any law to deal with it. I, therefore, oppose this bill,” Nnamani said.

After listening to both sides of the argument, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, put the debate to a voice vote. Majority of the senators went with Musa. Lawan would then refer the bill to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights which will conduct a public hearing with stakeholders and report back after four weeks.

Makinde: All Market Women Should Stage a Protest Against Appeal Court Ruling

Barely 24 hours after the refusal of the people of Oyo State to participate in a solidarity rally for the present governor of the State, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Peoples Democratic Party in the state have come up with another means of getting the sympathy of the people by threatening the market women, artisans, NURTW etc to embark on a protest against the Court of Appeal ruling.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan had on Monday November 11, 2019 upturned an earlier judgment of the lower Tribunal which declared Engr Seyi Makinde of PDP winner of March 9 governorship election.

The governor and the party not knowing what to do have resulted to organising paid protests against the court ruling. Information gathered from a reliable source made known that the governor has directed his aides to start mobilising some market women and artisans across the state for another set of paid protest.

The source says the governor maintains that he is still the governor of this state and any market men or women that refuses to participate in the protest will loose their shops.

The governor had immediately set up a monitoring team to go round the market across the city and make sure no shops or business centre open so that the protest would be successful.

Meanwhile, the Oyo Youths for Transparency and Good Governance (OYTGG) has called on the traders in the state not to be intimidated by the threat of the governor, describing it as an "empty threat which holds no water". The group said it is very unlawful for any authority to stop the people from going to about to get their daily bread in order to participate in a protest against the ruling of the Appeal Court".

"We have had many judgment even against the ruling All Progressive Congress across the country and there was no report that any group were coarsed to embark on protest against court judgment".

Bayo Adelabu: With Supreme Court, I Have A Date With History!

The pronouncement made by the Election Appeal Tribunal on our challenge of the ruling of the lower Tribunal on Monday has further rekindled our hope in both the electoral and judicial processes in our march to keep a date with history.

When our great party, the All Progressive Congress(APC) presented me as her standard bearer in the 2019 gubernatorial election in Oyo State, we never wavered in our conviction that the good people of the state knew that I was best candidate among the lots that came out to seek their mandate.

But we never took this for granted as we worked tirelessly round the clock to showcase our blueprint to turn the fortunes of our dear state around for the better.

It is on record that we ran the most organised and issue-driven campaign and our people, having been convinced of our ability to walk the talk freely gave me their mandate in the election.

However, the agents of darkness perfected the plan to steal this mandate, hence our recourse to the judiciary to proof their wrongdoing.

The lower Tribunal, which concerned itself with technicalities rather with the substance of our argument ruled otherwise.

Now that the Appeal Court has set the tone of righting the wrong, I appeal to the good people of Oyo State to hold the peace and go about their lawful activities as we approach the Supreme Court to validate your victory.

After the darkness, no matter how long it takes, comes sunshine. Victory is certain for us and the mass of the people of our state.

Signed
Adebayo Adelabu FCA, FCIB

Bayo Adelabu Heads to Supreme; Appeal Court Set Aside Tribunal Ruling on Seyi Makinde Victory

On the heel of the Appeal Judgment that sets aside the Tribunal ruling which saw Bayo Adelabu challenge the victory of Gov. Seyi Makinde, The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Bayo Adelabu have gone straight to the Supreme Court' in pursuit of a fair hearing on the irregularities surrounding the Guber election. The APC submitted that the election was marred with so many irregularities and infractions which has set the ball rolling for a breathe taking final lapse at the Supreme Court.

The Court of Appeal in its judgment stated that due to the time constraints, that limited the tribunal to run its course within 180 days, they would have ordered a retrial of the Tribunal process, which invariably infer that the APC has a valid case against the victory of Seyi Makinde at the elections.

Oloye 'Bayo Adelabu is in court to seek a fair hearing after so many evidences, witnesses and documents submitted by the lawyers to seek justice. He said the election was infiltrated with so many infractions and he has gone to court to prove the irregularities and seek legal redress, which is taking its course and justice must prevail eventually.

"I told you that to be a governor is not do or die but all the written rules and regulations, guiding the election, I mean the entire electoral acts must be duly followed. We found out that (in the course of election) there were a lot of infractions, we have shown that to the whole world and at the end of the day, victory shall be ours and Oyo state will come back to the All Progressives Party, Oyo state will come back to Adebayo Adelabu and my able deputy, Insha Allah." Bayo Adelabu said.

Adelabu Pleads For Unity As Thank You Visit to APC Faithful Reaches Ibadan Outer Cities

Members of All Progressives Congress in Ibadan Outer cities in Oyo State have been charged to shun any act that can tarnish the image and progress of the party in their respective constituencies.

The standard bearer of the APC in the March 9 Governorship Election in Oyo State Oloye Adebayo Adelabu gave the charge during his thank you visit to the members of the party in the six local governments making up Ibadan Outer Cities on Thursday. The gathering which held at the Party's office at Egbeda Local Government along the New Ife Road, Gbagi covered Egbeda, Akinyele, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Oluyole and Ido Local governments.

Adelabu stated that the outcome of the election indicated that nobody is mightier than God and this necessitated the appreciation tour to the people of Oyo State because they voted for our party (APC). He thanked the people and party members from these area specially while he reiterated that they voted massively for our party as evidenced in the election of all our party's candidate at the House of Reps and Senatorial Elections.

"I urged you to stay away from any act that can hinder the progress of our great party, saying members should shun their individual  differences and desist from actions that can lead to  factionalisation of the party in Oyo State, he added.

Oloye Adelabu said that the newly commisioned Penkelemesi Political headquarters at Jericho Ibadan and other Liason offices in each Federal constituency will  bring him generally closer to the people and the grassroots in particular..

Adding that arrangements have been concluded to commence operations at the recently commisioned Skill Acquisition Center at Oluyoro Oke-Adu Ibadan where youths will be trained on different vocational programmes.

He went further to say that he could not just, but appreciate members and leaders of the party for their undiluted support in the recent Governorship election and prayed that the Almighty Allah will soon crown their efforts.

In their separate remarks, Chief Lekan Adeyemi, the State Deputy Chairman of APC who represented the party state chairman, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Alhaji Muftau Adisa Gbayawu and Alhaji Wale Sanusi all commended Oloye Bayo Adelabu for his visit to members and stalwarts of the APC at the Ibadan Outer cities.

"We are not surprised by the actions of Bayo Adelabu because he has a humble background and most especially must have inherited so much from his grandfather's political sagacity. It's clear to every party member and the voting public that it wasn't a mistake choosing Bayo Adelabu as APC Governorship candidate for the March 9 election.

They emphasized the need for members to strictly adhere to the party's principles for the overall peace, progress and development of the APC, as they all concluded.

State executive members and Party leaders present at the meeting were chief Akin-oke represented by his Deputy Chief Lekan Adeyemo, Security Adviser Evangelist Olufemi Akande, Mrs Olaniran Abiola Auditor, Mr Abegunde Ex Officio , Apostle Kola Oyelami Oyo Central Senatorial Youth Leader. Alhaji Mufutau Adisa , Alhaji Kamorudeen  Ajisafe, Elder Opawale, Alhaji Oreitan, Chief Jimi Agbaje, Pa Adewolu Oluokun , Chief Isiaka Asiwaju, Engr. Olatunji Evangelist Olu Abiola,  Comr. Iyiola Ambali , Alhaji Azeez Elewure, Alhaji Saba and others.

Adelabu Visits Oyo, Urges APC Members to Remain Committed to the Party

In continuation of the "thank you"  visit to All political Zones in Oyo state, the Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Congress in the  March 9, 2019 election, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu has charged the members to work assiduously and collaboratively towards the unity and progress of the party in their respective wards, across the state.

Oloye Adelabu gave the charge at the "thank you" visit to Oyo zone which held at Pa Samuel Ojebode's house.

According to him,the essence of the visit was to appreciate members of the party and the good  people of Oyo zone in particular, for the total support they gave to APC during the last general election.

The results of the APC in the last governorship election, was an indication that people of Oyo Zone voted massively for the progressives in the exercise, hence the need for his appreciation tour becomes imperative.

Oloye Adelabu explained that going by the total votes scored by the party in the 2019 elections which is higher than the votes in both 2011 and 2015 polls, it is obvious that the people genuinely love APC and the Love keeps growing year on year.

On the Party supremacy, Bayo Adelabu said it was necessary for every member to know the political ideology of APC is rooted in  respect for the stakeholders and chieftains of the party.

"Anytime, any day, i will continue to abide by  the rule and regulations of APC, and work in tandem with the state executive of the APC, in reconciling the aggrieved members"

"It is normal for people to show their grievances if they feel cheated, but the progress of the party should be primary objective of the APC in Oyo state"

Oloye Adelabu  appreciated the members of APC in Oyo zone  for the honour accorded  to him, and promised to give welfare of members the utmost priority

"By the special grace of God it is in my plan to attend meetings in Oyo zone at least once in a Quarter, in order to know challenges facing the party, with a view to finding lasting solutions to such challenges".

While on the tour, the team visited the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.  The  paramount monarch commended Bayo Adelabu for the appreciation tour to his domain. He commended Oloye Adelabu for his courage, bravery and determination in choosing to serve his motherland over his top job at the Central Bank. He said very few people could do this. He therefore encouraged him not to relent and that very soon, his ambition to govern the state will be realised. He also applauded the party leaders that accompanied Adelabu for their support, belief and confidence they have in their governorship candidate.

Some leaders of APC who spoke at the meeting which included  Oyo Central Senatorial Chairman, Chief S. M Akindele, Chairman and APC leader, Oyo Zone, Pa Samuel Ojebode, described the appreciation tour by Adelabu  as a lofty initiative gerared towards putting  the party on a more solid footing after the elections.

The leaders pledged their unflinching and unalloyed support for Bayo Adelabu, especially on his reconciliation agenda, and other programmes aimed at ensuring progress of the party.

Among the State  Executive members  present at the meeting were Organizing Secretary,  Mr Lamolo Maruf, Oyo North Senatorial Chairman, Rasaq Arikewuyo, Welfare Officer, Hon. Taiwo Ige, Deputy State Women leader, Mrs Toyin Ajibade, and Assistant Public Relations Officer Mr Adejumo Ayobami.

Also on the entourage of Bayo Adelabu, to the Oyo Zone were, Alhaji Mufutau Adisa, Alhaji Wale Sanusi, Hon Iyiola Ambali, Chief Jimi Ajayi, Alhaji Azeez Elewure, Evangelist Olu Abiola , Mr Ajiboye Akande, Alhaji Yaya Busari, Mr Segun Olalere, Mr Dayo Laniyan and others.

Adelabu Moves to Reconcile Oyo APC, Begins Appreciation Tour Across The State

Seven months after the conduct of the March 9 Governorship Election in Oyo state, the Candidate of All Progressives Congress Oloye Adebayo Adelabu has pledged to champion and support the state executive of the party in reuniting aggrieved members back to the progressive fold.

Oloye Adelabu stated this during the thank you visit to the people of Ibarapa land for their commitment and support given to him earlier, during and after the poll.

According to him, despite the result announced by the electoral body, he felt Ibarapa zone remains one of the political stronghold quarter of the progressive in Oyo state hence the need to appreciate the party members and entire people of Ibarapa for their unflinching support.

"I believe I am the best candidate for the APC in the last general election and we are committed to general wellbeing of the people of Oyo state but somehow our mandate was diverted.

"We believe our mandate can be restored by the judiciary which is the hope of the masses hence the need to challenge the election results announced by INEC from the election petition tribunal to the Appeal court", he stated.

On the reconciliation of aggrieved APC members, Bayo Adelabu adding that this is the high time committed members should put their individual differences aside and work collectively for the interest of the party.

The APC Governorship Candidate maintained that he believed in Party Supremacy and Ideology which should be strictly adhere to by all members for the advancement of the party.

"I am ready to champion and work harmoniously with state executive for the reconciliation of the aggrieved members in the interest of peace and progress of the party"

Bayo Adelabu who is the Grand Son of Late Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu alias Penkelemesi affirming the proposed Mega empowerment programmes across the state to the members in Ibarapa, saying empowerment of the people would continue to be his utmost priority.

He said the newly commissioned Adelabu political headquarters will served as administrative and liaison office while efforts are on going to establish 14 liaison offices to cater for the three Senatorial Districts and 14 federal constituency in Oyo State.

Oyo APC chieftains from Ibarapa Zone who spoke on behalf of others include Apostle Aderonmu, Alhaji Jinadu and Elder Aderenle appreciated the visit of Oloye Adelabu to Ibarapa land in this time of need.

They both claimed that the visit of Bayo Adelabu was a clear demonstration of the love he has for the people of Ibarapa land.

Prior to the end of the meeting, Oloye Adelabu call for a minute silent in honour of a member of APC who lost his life in Ibarapa during the election campaign.

The meeting had in attendance, Former Commissioner in the last administration, Alhaji M.O Laide Abass, Hon Ojerinde , Alhaji Fatai Adesina, Demola Ojo aka Ijaya, Former Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Iyiola Ambali, Alhaji Mufu Adisa (Gbayawu), Alhaji Wale Sanusi and Alhaji Laide Akande.

Other chieftains of APC present include, Elder Dayo Adeola, Chief Babalola, Alhaji Isiaka Asiwaju, Alhaji Tafa SA, Evangelist Olu Abiola, Chief Jimi Agbaje, Samson Dare, Comrade Ojediran Segun, Alhaji Tajudeen, Hon Leke Asela, Hon Olufemi Jacob and former Chairman Ibadan North west Alhaji Adewolu Oluokun among others..

The Glint of LibraGold Travels and Tours @52 || Isiaka Kehinde

"Good price must correspondingly offer a beffiting value". That's the Monica of LibraGold travels and tours, the Pearl of tourism management agency in Nigeria whose scintillant, many people believe,  overshadows it's peers.

It needs no additional emphasis that The gold that keeps sheeny in   Libra Gold travels and tours is Hajia Zikrah Afolake Aduke Akanbi   She is the defacto light which highlights and pushes into the foreground the professional know how and technical expertise  of the traveling Pathfinder, the LibraGold,   borne out of it's over   two decades experience now making it a synonym to 'explendido' in tourism service.
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Like a luminous gold which is always highly desirable, uniquely shiny and unreactive, Libra Gold has continued to be tourists delight as it is coruscating year in year out and offering it's customers additional value more than their money worth. Precisely, What Gold means to human civilization, is the same sense LibraGold is making to the teeming travellers that would rather postpone their trip anywhere in the world than to miss the quality services LibraGold offers. Only those who don't know will deny the fact that LibraGold travels and tours is cast in pure gold which her owner embodies. Truly, pure gold does not depreciates, only gold alloys do.

I often wonder why young people who use LibraGold travels and tours also recommend same to their parents in their hoary years to travel to KSA for both Umrah and Hajj exercise? And,   the answer which was not far fetched was  recently offered by the Akinade's family who have been using LibraGold travels and tours yearly more than a decade now it was impressive. Let me share  the sweet testimony of Alhaja Akinade, a famous  business tycoon at Gbagi market. She proudly said  "Libra Gold offers services that is very sparse in tourism management. I can say without fear of contradiction that not even state welfare Boards can match her.  LibraGold has such an alluring brilliance that makes you desire for more. They are liberal to both the old and the young and pay especial attention to the former'.

Alhaja Akinade added "traveling with LibraGold is like sunbathing, when the Sun finishes it's course and sets below the horizon, it leaves behind a brilliant and memorable afterglow that makes a repeat always desired".

Not suprisingly, those who passed through Libra Gold travels and toursfor their UAE vacation recently were also full of encomiums to libragold for it's excellent customers service.

Succintly put, from the  information garnered from over twenty respondents in the course of conducting  this Vox Pop - "In Hajj operation, both on shore and off shore arrangements including; fool - proof visa processing, strict compliance with NAHCON's regulations, excellent medical services, clean shuttle vehicles for ease of pilgrims transportation in the holy Land, proximity of the pilgrims hotel to the Holy Harram, smoth sequence of home - bound airlifting of pilgrims and other A-  rated services provided, Libragold travels is second to none".

Little wonder LibraGold travels and tours has won several awards both home and abroad in  tourism management. The awards include AIITA special recognition award and other award of excellence by major airlines like Emirates, British Airways etc.

However,  one major  conundrum which many people have found very difficult to unravel is how  the amazing owner of Libragold and Senator Adesoji Akanbi's wife and alter ego, Hajia Afolake Akanbi has managed to combine the hard nosed business strategy that she puts in LibraGold with local support in politics she constantly offer her husband, not to mention her philanthropic activities without one affecting the other? This has made those close to her to give  her the sobriquet of a "utility woman mined in Gold"

To LibraGold proprietress, 'one can only sit up or foul up', she doesn't bloviate, she acts, she sits up all the time and builds on each progress made.

Today is very special in the life of Hajia Zikra Aduke Akanbi being her birthday. Please let's join her numerous admirers all over the world to wish her more years of service to humanity and additional glints to keep Libra Gold and the society by extension  shining more brightly. Age with abundant grace.

 Happy birthday.

Bayo Adelabu Celebrates Birthday in Style, Commissions Adelabu Penkelemesi Political Headquarters in Ibadan

It was double celebration for Bayo Adelabu, the Oyo State APC candidates in the last guber election, as he celebrates his birthday in grand style. He amplified the celebration of his 49th year on earth with the grand opening of the Adelabu Penkelemesi Political Headquarters in Jericho, Ibadan. The event was well graced with important dignitaries who came to shower their greetings and well wishes towards the celebrant.

Many important party leaders of the APC and political giants in the country were in attendance. Former governor of Lagos State and the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Bola Tinubu was ably represented by Tunde Rahman, his media adviser was also in attendance, the Oyo State APC leaders and party exceutives led by Oloye Akin Oke, represented by Chief Adeyemo, were all in attendance including Hon. Dapo Lam-Adeshina, the son of the late former governor of the state and party leader Lamidi Adesina.

They all shared their goodwill messages to the former deputy governor of CBN and express their huge respect for his courage to join politics amid the intrigues and murky waters. They wished him well in the nearest future to rightfully assume the role of the governor of the state. They subsequently joined hands to open the huge political edifice that have been a sight to behold in Jericho, Ibadan - the capital of the state.

After moving round to see the interior of the monument, the celebrant then went ahead to cut his cake amid merry praises and songs with his wife, Chief Mrs Seyi Adelabu by his side and there was enough for everyone to eat and drink to celebrate the birthday of the Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland.

Bayo Adelabu: A Quintessential at 49

Happy Birthday to perhaps one of the most gifted and by far the most intelligent person I've come across in my entire life, very detailed and most importantly; he was (and still) the best brain - that could have led Oyo State into a better atmosphere and living condition with his rich plan for a complete revitalisation of the state's economy; Oloye Bayo Adelabu Penkelemesi.

The Almighty Allah does His will in miraculous ways and so we are certain that #OyoSiMaaPenkele because it is the will of God that Oyo State returns to its old glory as the nations pacesetter. Rich minds who have a knack for reading the future, knows that it is only an intelligent mind that can achieve these landmarks. The Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland will tower above his contemporaries and rivals to become the Governor of Oyo State in the nearest future.

A real family man who has the love and care of his wife, children and extended relatives directly at heart. A true leader and philanthropist who sees the developmental process and social wellbeing of his followers and entire populace as prime, with a living legacy for a better tomorrow. A business magnate/tycoon who sees capital investment as a basis for total freedom, glowing economy and wealth creation. A social activist who with his humble background has an innate desire to impact social, economic, and environmental reforms to alter and elevate the present status quo of the common man.

As you mark a new beginning in your glorious, eventful and unparalleled life, I wish you more invaluable accomplishments and landmark successes in divine wellbeing and health. As you edge closest to your golden jubilee, may your goodnews and living testimonies never cease to come in large numbers and may you ultimately cling on your life goals and innermost desire.

Happy Birthday once again Sir.
Igba odun, odun kan.