Cleric urges FG to regulate Social Media practice in order to foster peace, unity

                                
A renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Abdul-Almuhiyi, has advised the Federal Government to establish a regulatory body to control social media practice in order to foster peace and unity in the country.

The scholar, who is also the National Chairman, Jama”atul Izalatul Bidia Waikamatussuna (JIBWIS), Jos, gave the advice when he led a delegation on a visit to the Kebbi State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalist in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

He said in order to foster peace and unity in the country, there is the need to have a regulatory body set up by the federal government to control the flow of information from the social media.

“We are appealing to the federal government to regulate the social media and what they do; at least the government should try to have a regulatory body that will reduce the in flow of incitive information in the social media,” he said.

Abdul-Almuhiyi then cited the example of Russia as one of the developed countries in the world that had established a regulatory body to control and check Social Media. practice.

He also explained that the visit to the media group was part of the Islamic organisation’s activities to foster cordial relationship and support not only to prominent people but also to institutions such as the media during the Ramadan season.

He also urged journalists to desist from making any story capable of breaching peace and security of the country.

“I advise you (the media) to always balance your reports to ensure fairness and accuracy in reportage,” he enjoined.

The cleric prayed to Allah to continue to guide and protect journalists in the discharge of their duties in the country.

Earlier, the state Chairman of NUJ, Aliyu Jajirma, commended the Islamic scholar, describing his visit as timely and inspirational.