Although we live in a democratic country, it appears the ruling government might try to encroach on our freedom of speech.

A new social media bill that could potentially censor free speech on social media platforms has been proposed by the House of Senate.

According to the bill, anyone who writes anything negative against somebody else (most probably politicians) will face jail time – two years to be exact.

How dare they? Can someone please tell them that it is not allowed.

Nigerians on Twitter have expressed their thoughts on the issue via #NoToSocialMediaBill. Here are some of them:

On fighting for our rights:

Everyone who values his or her right must express a resounding #NoToSocialMediaBill

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) December 2, 2015

For Ben Bruce to speak out:

https://twitter.com/AndyMadaki/status/672391907528605696

On how it will affect us:

My people! My people! They must not pass that bill o. Even your business that you are promoting online will suffer #NoToSocialMediaBill

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) December 3, 2015

This mathematical calculation:

https://twitter.com/ebuka_akara/status/672336016280330240

Our keyboards as tools of expression:

https://twitter.com/Skiwo/status/672311879029686272

On what will happen if the bill is passed:

I am 100% sure that we will close down d Senate & send all Senators back to where they belong if this bill is passed #NoToSocialMediaBill

— Ali G (@aligthebaptist) December 2, 2015

This person being a devil’s advocate:

To publish a petition you will need to an affidavit…Who issues affidavit, govt. I just want to make common sense #NoToSocialMediabill

— Rex Showunmi (@remirex) December 2, 2015

Comparing the previous government to the current one:

https://twitter.com/owuyi/status/672153384242270209

A gentle reminder of what country this is:

https://twitter.com/ebuka_akara/status/672152442105176065

Reminding the Senate who’s really in charge:

https://twitter.com/Lilianne_2014/status/672144747348275201

Democracy and freedom of expression must work together:

https://twitter.com/owuyi/status/672147023156654081