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This is a very crucial topic to talk about, seeing that the world is evolving and becoming interested in freedom of speech. Nigeria as a country is far behind this evolution in this modern era because even though the law gives every citizen the right to freedom of speech, there are things which when said here restricts your freedom of speech. Also today there are other platforms which doesn’t give people the ability to exercise their freedom of speech fully. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and should be given a chance to pour out that opinion to the world.
In my honest opinion, giving people the platform for everyone to express their law given rights and give them full access to freedom of speech would help create a safer and more comfortable society to live in. Unfortunately there are problems which we face today that has zero tolerance to freedom of speech, and this has manipulated people into choosing their words wisely to avoid being punished, shadow banned or discriminated.
Barriers To Freedom Of Speech:
WEB 2.0 PLATFORM (CENTRALIZED PLATFORMS): Social platforms like Facebook, Twitter etc has been known for their major role in speech censorship. A lot of of people have been shadow banned as a result of the rules and regulations guiding centralized platforms. They have rules which has zero tolerance to freedom of speech, this has never give people the platform to express their freedom of speech.
Sovereignty and Integrity of Nigeria:
Judging that Nigeria is an independent state which practices democracy. There have been laws put in place against citizens who make statements that harm the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. This has also been a barrier to freedom of speech in Nigeria because the Nigeria law has zero tolerance to such freedom of speech.
Decency and Morality:
This is also another barrier to freedom of speech in Nigeria. Especially in a place where people are judged with what they say, this has made a lot of people hide in their shell, making them lack the charisma to exercise their freedom of speech.
Religious Beliefs/Insecurities
The high rate of insecurity in Nigeria has put fear into people. Now making a speech against a religious group or against their belief can even bring a penalty of death to the offenders.
This is a major problem we are facing in Nigeria. In fact there was an incident that happened a week ago, a lady was killed because she talked against prophet mohamed.
How does this limitation to freedom of speech affect the public?
To be honest I want a country where there would be freedom to exercise one’s freedom of speech but the current limitations to freedom of speech has caused a lot of negative effect to the society.
A. Panic and Insecurities: Today we live in a world of fear, panic and even insecurities. People get so scared to express their freedom of speech, because when they talk, their lives could be used as a bait for certain statements they make.
B. Speech Censorship by Social Platform: This is a major effect to freedom of speech especially with centralized platforms. They tend to censor your speech resulting to account shadow ban.
C. Intimidation: Today people tend to intimidate their fellow citizens into silence. Today people are scared to express themselves because they feel intimidation and discrimination when it comes their own point of view. This has made many people hide from expressing freedom of speech.
Remedies:
I. Creation of More Decentralized platform (Web 3.0): This platforms would help people exercise their freedom of speech, there would be zero tolerance to speech censorship. This is why I encourage people to join the hive community, where there is equality of right, a platform that gives everyone the opportunity to express their freedom of speech.
II. Facilitate Religious Dialogues: opportunities should be created for religions with opposing views to engage with one another on conflicting issues. This could reinforce the value of freedom of speech between different conflicting religious groups.
III. Law Amendment, accountability and transparency that protects the humans freedom of speech: Government should play a role in the protection of the human right to freedom of speech by amending the law to cover and protect freedom of speech in true transparency.
IV. Human Right Education: There should be a course put in place in various institutions to promote freedom of speech. This would enable people become informed and help them exercise their various human rights.
