The Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice in Nasarawa State, Abdulkarim Kana, has advised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to stop its “quick and premature reaction to issues” of national importance.
Kana gave the advise in a rejoinder to a statement issued by the Bar condemning the recent suspension of Twitter in Nigeria by the federal government.
The NBA had in the statement issued by its president, Olumide Akpata, said the suspension is in violation of right to freedom of speech.
Reacting however, Kana regretted that the “NBA acts like any ordinary common social media commentator when indeed it should represent diverse views”.
“Hate speeches and the platform for disseminating them are regulated even in the so called advanced democracies. Half of what Twitter tolerates to be said and done on their platform will never be tolerated in other countries. They will on their own block such comments and activities like they did to Trump and many others.
“The question is, why do they not care what hateful speeches Nigerians make on their platform even when clearly, it is capable for causing social and political disharmony and potentially, violence. Can Twitter tolerate its platform to be used to disseminate ISIS or Alquaida propaganda for instance? Will US Government still allow Twitter if twitter continues to provide a platform for terrorists activities like they are doing in Nigeria?
“Mr. President, I have advised that while NBA must always engage on all National discuss, its actions and reactions must be measured and calculated, matured enough for it to remain the voice of reason, not voice of anything anti government, and pro certain Section.
“One would have expected NBA to write a letter to federal government first and enquire for explanation for such decision before making this type of press releases. Same blunder was made during the Justice Onnoghen debacle, then the Elrufai NBA conference saga, the EndSars riots, and the ongoing JUSUN strike, the NBA took sides and lost the age old opportunity of playing the role of the arbiter and voice of reconciliation at times like these.
“NBA acts like any ordinary common social media commentator when indeed it should represent diverse views including of Government since many of its members are also in Government. NBA’s quick and premature reaction to sensitive issues need to stop.
“Mr. President sir, NBA is not about your personal views, but the collective interests of members and the corporate existence of Nigeria. Don’t get carried away by the noise of these hate mongers who have translated their last election loss into detracting Nigeria’s progress and unity. NBA must rise above sensation,” he said.
