TheCable

Dele Alake, a former commissioner of information and strategy in Lagos, says strengthening social media regulations has become imperative in Nigeria.

On June 15, President Bola Tinubu appointed Alake as his special adviser on special duties, communications and strategy.

On July 27, he was announced as one of the 28 ministerial nominees.

Fielding questions from senators at the screening on Wednesday, Alake said even though social media has advantages, its downside is detrimental to a decent society like Nigeria.

He said regulations must be strengthened and tested to ensure that social media is not used in a manner that threatens the internal security of the country.

“The downside of social media is that it is detrimental to a good and decent society. What I would support is the strengthening of regulations,” he said.

“There are laws that guide our conduct in every area of human endeavour but the application of these laws have been shut.

“Even victims of libel, aspersions, defamation and all kinds of negative things in the media, hesitate to also apply the law against the culprits.

“I will recommend the strengthening of our regulations and the applications of those laws. The laws must be tested so we can know the proficiency of those regulations.

“I will support anything that comes from this hallowed chamber that promotes that course of action.

“If there are laws, bills and motions in line with this, please be sure of our full cooperation.”