The House of Representatives committee on Human Rights has conducted a one day public hearing for the protection of online users in Nigeria from infringement of their fundamental freedom .
The chairman of the committee Rep. Eward Pwojok said its doors are not closed to comments and contributions that no one repository of knowledge.
The bill was first presented on the floor of the House by Rep. Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam and referred to the committee for further inputs.
Rep. Ujam while making his presentation said the bill is in seven parts and when it scales through its shall guarantee application of human rights digital platforms.
He also emphasized the need for the promotion of freedoms of expression of individuals and associations online.
Dr. Ujam further said if the bill is passed it will equip the judiciary with the necessary legal framework to protect human rights online.
"Unlawful, unauthorized and undue interference with the online privacy of any person is prohibited under this Act. Except the context otherwise provides the rule of confidentiality".
Ujam further clarified that the bill is not giving online users absolute powers to violate the rights of peoples privacy.
"We are also looking at other responsible ways of using the internet", he stated.
The Chief Operation Officer of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, Tope Ogundipe, the brain behind the bill also said the bill captures the rights and freedom of all Nigerians because it serves everyone equally.
Whilst explaining, Ogundipe said the bill takes care of violators and undue infringements of human rights online users.
According to her, "this bill is a noble legislative framework and its advantages can't be compared to the disadvantages so I expect everyone to support it so that together we can move the country forward".
However, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) also made a presentation as one of the stakeholders invited by the committee on Human Rights,in its submission its drew the attention of the Lawmakers to section 10 of the bill that it conflicts with the provision on surveillance and lawful interception of communications contained in the NCC Act.
"It is pertinent to point out that issues regarding lawful interception of communications are provided for under the NC* 2003, the Cybercrimes Act 2015 and the draft lawful Interception of communication Regulations which is currently being developed".
They also pointed out to conflict between section (14) of the bill and section 147 of Nigerian Communication Commissions Act (NCA) 2003, section 10(1)(14) of the bill provided.
Oby Ezenkwesil, convener of the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign who was also a guest at the hearing commended the lawmakers for the bold step taken to pass the bill.
"I must say I am fascinated by the bill because of its importance to Nigerians. It is code defining the rights that are necessary in the 21st century. We have to go beyond mere aspirations to code defining because we can't possibly live our lives without the internet", she emphasized.
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