Lagos lawmaker, Abiodun Tobin, has warned against sharing misleading information that could escalate violence and pandemonium in the society.
Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1 in Lagos House of Assembly, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that such unverified and deceitful informations could also steer community unrest.
He, therefore, urged social media activists to be wary of the kind of information to disseminate on digital platforms.
“This can cause chaos, violence and community unrest, if not cautioned and regulated.
“The peace, unity and progress of Epe community and Nigeria at large matter most to the citizens, therefore be guided,” he said.
According to him, any information that would be for public consumption must be verified, be truthful, reliable and ethical.
“Don’t just post information for posting sake without verifying source and authenticity; if you must post, post reasonably and politely,” he said.
The lawmaker advised the youths and social media activists not be used by political leaders or by their principal for character assassination.
“Do not damage another person’s character or personality, all in the name of loyalty.
“Make your necessary findings about the affected person before you post on social media, please be counseled,” he said.
Tobun urged government to censor and regulate the use of social media and ensure that the social media was used reasonably.
“Government should scold and discipline anybody abusing the use of media for character assassination,” he said.
