Matawalle to regulate social media in Zamfara

The Zamfara State Government said it will enact laws to regulate social media against the spread of fake news in the state.

Gov. Bello Matawalle disclosed this in Gusau on Sunday at the inauguration of the newly-elected state executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
Matawalle represented by the State Commissioner of Information, Malam Ibrahim Dosara, added that the ministry is working to enact legislation that will punish people who fabricate or propagate false information.

According to him, fake news has now become a tool in the hands of unscrupulous politicians who make a living out of seizing every opportunity to achieve political ends.

“The propagation of false information has, without doubt, hindered our efforts to suppress banditry in the State.

“Fake news has been used to undermine our troops’ morale and turn some communities against the government.
“We are living at the most challenging period in the history of traditional media, despite its many benefits, social media has resulted in the spread of fake news, endangering peace and societal stability,” Matawalle said.
“My administration treats journalists with the utmost respect, in keeping with our democratic values. We have always had good working ties with media groups and practitioners.