In spite of massive public outcry against its consideration of a bill to curtail social media freedom, the Senate, yesterday, lambasted online reporting and accused practitioners of undermining the integrity of the senate president, Bukola Saraki.

The senate particularly targeted Sahara Reporters for publishing stories which it claimed undermine the integrity of the law-making body.
The debate on social media followed a point of order raised by Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi) during plenary.

According to Senator Melaye, social media operators should be held accountable for their reports, stressing that untrue stories have also been published against him which must not be taken lightly.

After contributions by lawmakers who spoke in favour of Senator Melaye, Senate President Bukola Saraki, while acknowledging the excesses of some of the social media operators however recognized the need for freedom of speech.

He said that the social media operators should be fair and accurate and should not let `a few bad eggs’ taint the image of the industry.

The matter was referred to the Committees on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition; Information Communication Technology; and Judiciary to report back to plenary in four weeks.