A former senator, Joel Ikenya, has thrown his weight behind the hate speech regulation bill currently in the National Assembly.
Ikenya said Wednesday in Jalingo that the freedom of expression as a fundamental rights to citizens was being abused by many Nigerians.
“Many people take advantage of such a right to blackmail others,” he said.
Ikenya, a former member of the Taraba House of Assembly, also reacted to rumours linking him with the crisis in the State House of Assembly, which led to the resignation of the Speaker.
“Those linking me with the crisis in the Taraba House of Assembly are not being fair to me. I see the allegations as cheap blackmail,” he said.
Abel Diah, former Speaker, resigned his position on Monday and was joined by other leaders of the legislative house same day.
“I have no hand in the crisis, but I have forgiven those who blackmailed me. My advice to the lawmakers is that they should remain focused and work in harmony with the executive to make Taraba a better place for us all.”
He expressed optimism that Gov. Darius Ishaku would not disappoint, and urged the people to give him massive success. (NAN)
