The bill known as FRIVOLOUS PETITION (prohibition etc)BILL 2015 (according to section 4) has just 4 Sections and its sole aim is to principally prevent frivolous petitions and other matters... SECTION 1 makes it mandatory for all petition and statement made for the purpose of activating an investigation or inquiry to be supported by an AFFIDAVIT deposed to at the HIGH COURT OF A STATE or FEDERAL HIGH COURT SECTION 2 renders any petition/statement made without compliance with section 1 incompetent and unreliable. SECTION 3(1-4) specify different penalties/ punishment ranging from 6months to 2years and fine of up N2m for offences such as Unlawful use or publication of petition/complaints without affidavit, acting or using petition not accompanied by affidavit, in order to circumnavigate the law,making allegation or publishing statement/petition in the media with intent of discrediting persons,groups or institution of govt.. Section 3(4) seems to be major cause of the public opprobrium and let me state it verbatim.."Where any person through text message, tweet,whatsapp or through any social media, post any ABUSIVE STATEMENT knowing same to be FALSE with INTENT TO SET THE PUBLIC against any/or group of person, an institution of government or any other such bodies established by law shall be guilty of an offence...." Without much ado, this law appears innocuous save and except one has an ulterior motives for making petitions/complaints to appropriate bodies or agency of government..It will at least prevent criminal defamation, malicious prosecution and maybe reduce wanton media persecution/witch hunt.The law is not in itself perfect but should be seen as a form of expected legislative intervention.
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Posted: at 8-12-2015 10:34 AM (9 years ago) | Addicted Hero
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