Social media users have descended on Lagos politician and former movie star Desmond Elliot after suggesting that Nigerians should stop spreading negative news about their country.
A video circulating on social media shows the lawmaker asking citizens to shun social media and address their issues through the right means.
Mr. Elliot said, “social media has its negatives and Nigerian youth must be wary of how they use it in light of the recent happenings in Nigeria”.
His comments come after pictures of the #ENDSARS movement were circulated on social media.
In 2015, he was sworn into the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Speaking to the recent developments in Nigeria, the former actor stated reasons why the recent happenings in Nigeria were disturbing enough.
The politician, who was speaking at the Lagos State Assembly, pleaded with social media users to respect the country as they demonstrate police brutality.
Nigerian youths have recently taken to the streets to demonstrate police brutalities.
It is recalled that media houses in Nigeria were cautioned against the publication of images and videos that capture the violence ongoing in the country.
The videos and images capturing the ongoing #EndSars and #EndPolicebrutality protests after the force was reportedly used against the protestors are being distributed on social and mainstream media across the world.
But the Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) said such publications are likely to embarrass the Nigerian government, individuals, institutions, and the country in general, hence, the need to desist from the publication.
NBC said the media should be cautious not to “embarrass individuals, organizations, government or cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society at large”.
It added that media houses should not “aggravate the situation or adversely affect those emotionally involved.”