Desmond Elliot under severe criticism for supporting clampdown on social media (Videos)

Desmond Elliot, the lawmaker representing Surulere constituency at the Lagos Assembly, on Thursday, October 29, came under severe criticism for his condemnation of celebrities; as well as influencers for their usage of social media; especially during #EndSARS protests.

This comes in the wake of comments from a popular Twitter influencer, Dr. Olufunmilayo who revealed that the Lagos State House of Assembly; “is developing a bill to regulate and control speech on social media;” and also that Desmond Elliot “is said to be one of those pushing it”.

In a video released immediately in response to Olufunmilayo’s tweets, Desmond Elliot denied the allegations.

Dr. Olufunmilayo hit back, asking Elliot to release evidence of what he truly said during the plenary session.

However, on Thursday, a video of Desmond Elliot speaking at the Lagos State House of Assembly in relation to Dr. Olufunmilayo’s allegations has been made public.

Also Read: Wike signs decree banning IPOB activities in Rivers State

He spoke about the propagation of hate speech; misinformation; and other negative impacts of social media in Nigeria, especially during the #EndSARS protest.

In the video, the lawmaker could be seen calling on the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly to “address certain things” like “the Nigerian youth, the social media, the social influencers”.

He claimed social media influencers and celebrities promoted the use of violence during and also after the #EndSARS protests, a protest which mostly described as peaceful.

Elliot added; “All of these are making the narratives that we are seeing today. Except we’re joking with ourselves. Social media, though good, has its negative impacts.”

Lagos lawmaker, Desmond Elliot (@DesmondOElliot), on the recent events in Lagos and Nigeria:

"Social media has its negative impact."
*
"Please celebrities, social media influencers, stop the hatred already." pic.twitter.com/L0rrLtAO6S

— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) October 29, 2020

Elliot referenced the recent #EndSARS protests in the country; and also according to him “children” were “cursing” elderly politicians on social media, which is against culture.

The actor turned politician called for the regulation of social media, stressing;

“When I went through the comment, I could not believe it Mr Speaker. The curses, the abuses from children. And I ask myself ‘Is this Nigeria? What is going on?’ Children cursing?

“Mr Speaker, in the next five years, Nigerian is gone if we don’t start now.”

"If you're tired, come and enter government." – Desmond Elliot, member of Lagos House of Assembly. pic.twitter.com/YbHdnLGRtN

— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) October 29, 2020