Former Minister of Information, Mr Frank Nweke Jnr has expressed concern over the adverse effects of fake news and their potential, not just to undermine, libel and slander people but to precipitate conflict in the country.

Speaking at the public presentation of the book titled ‘Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria’ written by Dr Omoniyi Ibietan Head, Media Relations, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday in Abuja, Nweke Jnr noted that the ubiquitous nature of social media made it possible for free speech and freedom of expression across the country. But while this ubiquity is positive, social media allows fake news to disseminate unchecked.

He observed that it is a very delicate balance between trying to protect the freedom of expression and protect public space and protect citizens from the potential adverse impact of fake news which has the potential to precipitate conflict.

Nweke Jnr noted that in every democracy, people reserve the right to express themselves freely, but that has to be done in a manner it does not infringe on the right of others.

The former minister observed that government must continue to work with professional associations to ensure that society is protected from such hazards.

Nweke said events of the past year show that social media will continue to have an impact on our lives.

He said, “The book dwells on a better understanding of social media and that the conclusion is that in the coming years, the impact of social media will increase with usage.

” Having come out of the election myself, I recognise the opportunity provided by social media. But I also worry about its adverse impact, the issues about fake news and their potential, not just to undermine, libel and slander people but to precipitate conflict. So, it is something that government must continue to work on, professional associations need to work on to ensure that society is protected from such hazards”, he added.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbass who commended the author for writing such a masterpiece noted that aside from social media, there are dynamic platforms for communication and engagement.

Represented by the majority leader of the house, Julius Ihonvbere, the Speaker stated that the book should awaken the youth and the general public to go back to the reading culture.
He commended the author again saying he has not left the field of struggle.

Presenting the book, the Executive Vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Umar Danbatta, noted social media has come to stay but it is the duty of the people to use social media responsibly.

He stated that network enormity has become a source of concern and the way and manner people resort to inflammatory and defamatory content to denigrate their political opponents do not add value to the political process.

Danbatta stressed the need to ensure a responsible use of social media adding that what social media has done is to make our society an instant one.

He commended the author for his literary prowess, stressing that he was fascinated with the amount of effort and time devoted by the author to publishing the work.

He said the author and himself share some interests in common, one of which is their love for literary work.

The book reviewer and the Editor-in-Chief, of Leadership Newspaper, Mr Azubuike Ishiekwene said the author raised issues that are specific and contemporary, interestingly with reference to the 2015 election adding that book also covers possible implications of cyber politics in future elections that will also be x-rayed as highlighted by the author.

Ishiekwene said the book reflects on how cyber politics played out and shaped the last two general elections in Nigeria.

He observed that it is important to address this issue of fake news hands-on but this book has presented an empirical foundation for good journalism.
Ishiekwene said the book was, of course, not the first to venture into the theme of the 2015 elections, voter behaviour and social media in Nigeria.

He recommended the book to practitioners, academics, and the general public and salutes Premium Times for standing out in the courageous and accountable journalism it is known for.