Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on the Federal Government to place restrictions on the use of social media in Nigeria as a way of curbing the spread of misinformation.
He made this appeal during an interaction with journalists in Abakaliki on Friday, stressing that unregulated use of online platforms poses risks to national security and social stability.
According to the governor, many individuals misuse social media by spreading unverified information, which often fuels tension and creates unnecessary panic. He explained that while digital platforms are valuable for communication and public engagement, they have increasingly become tools for disseminating falsehoods. He warned that unless firm measures are taken, the unchecked spread of misinformation could destabilize the country and undermine governance.
Nwifuru argued that the government must prioritize the regulation of online activities to ensure that the rights of citizens to free expression are not abused. He pointed out that in several cases, unfounded rumors and misleading posts have led to public unrest. The governor emphasized that social media has the power to influence the minds of young people, and without proper control, it could mislead the population and cause long-term damage.
The governor explained that while he is not against the existence of social media, its usage must be balanced with responsibility. He noted that people frequently make statements online that they cannot defend in reality, which undermines social order. Nwifuru insisted that freedom of speech should not translate into freedom to damage reputations or spread lies that can harm individuals and institutions.
He further highlighted the role of traditional media as a more credible source of information compared to unverified online content. He urged Nigerians to rely on established news outlets for accurate reports rather than depending on anonymous social media accounts. The governor cautioned that the widespread acceptance of false narratives online threatens the credibility of governance and damages public trust.
Governor Nwifuru also linked the misuse of social media to rising insecurity across the country. He explained that several security challenges have been fueled by rumors and inflammatory posts online. In his view, the government cannot afford to remain passive while misleading information spreads unchecked. He reiterated that social media should be used constructively to promote peace and national development rather than division and conflict.
In making his appeal, the governor acknowledged the importance of protecting citizens’ rights but stressed that regulation must be enforced in the interest of the wider public good. He urged the Federal Government to establish clear frameworks that would allow responsible use of digital platforms while penalizing those who deliberately spread misinformation.
Nwifuru’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing debates over how best to balance freedom of expression with the need to protect national security. The Federal Government has in the past taken steps to regulate social media, including proposals for legislation and temporary restrictions, though such moves have drawn criticism from civil society groups concerned about human rights.
Despite these concerns, the Ebonyi governor maintained that failure to act could worsen the situation. He insisted that responsible regulation does not mean silencing dissent but ensuring that discussions online are rooted in truth. He concluded by calling for cooperation between government agencies, the media, and the public in fostering a safer digital environment for all Nigerians.
