The Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has ordered for the arrest of the Media Aides to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Aliyu Tijani Ahmed over alleged inciting the public against members that the state government has given money to them as palliative for their constituents over COVID-19 pandemic.
The SSG’s Media aide Ja’afar M.Loko and Three others were alleged of circulating fake news and hate speech on social media against members of Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House read the House’s resolution after the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon Mohammed Omadefu raised the issue under the matter of public interest during the House Emergency Sitting in Lafia Tuesday.
The speaker said that the arrest of the posters of such fake news and hate speech in social media by security agencies for prosecution would serve as deterrent to others
He equally called on the state government to issue a statement to clear the air on the purported fund.
” I have heard you all. I want to commend all of you for your positive contributions on this matter and your sacrifices so far,show of understanding and support for leadership of the house and support for Governor Abdullahi Sule”
” The reports on social media that the state government has given us money as palliative to our constituents over COVID-19 is unfortunate and false.
” Such reports are capable of creating confusion and are inciting us against our people.
” No amount of intimidations, mischiefs, insults will divert our attention and we will continue to protect the integrity of the House and I urged you to remain focused”.
” It is in view of this that the House passed the following resolutions.
” One, the House debunk story circulating on social media that the state government has given members money for palliative for their constituents to cushion the effect of COVID-19.
” Secondly, the House call on the Executive arm to come out and make a statement to clear the air on the purported fund.
” The House mandates the Chairmen, House Committee on Security and Information to meet with the security agencies for the arrest of those involved in such acts for prosecution to serve as detterent to others, ” he said.
The speaker advised the youths not to allow themselves to be used as agents of fake news and hate speech.
Earlier, Hon Mohammed Omadefu (APC- Keana) the Chairman, House Committee on Information said that media aides to the SSG are circulating reports on social media that the state government has given members N11m each as palliative for their constituents over COVID-19.
” One Ja’afar M. Loko, Abahuraira Mohammed Mainasara, Umar A Abdullahi and Shuaibu Sani, are they main people circulating reports on social media that the governor gave us money for palliative to our constituents.
” Such reports are capable of creating confusion, tension as well as inciting our constituents against us, ” he said.
The House after various contributions by members unanimously ordered for the arrest of the SSG media aides among other resolutions.
During the day sitting, A Bill for a Law to amend the Nasarawa State Geographical Information Service NAGIS sponsored by Hon Ibrahim Muluku(APC Nasarawa Eggon East)scaled first reading,just as the house deliberated on report of the House standing committee on Finance And Appropriation on a bill for a law to establish The Nasarawa State Public Procurement Commission.
