President Muhammadu Buhari has distanced himself from the widely criticised anti-social media bill being debated by the Senate, saying he is committed to upholding the constitutional provision of freedom of expression.

The President made his position known in a statement issued on Monday by his senior special assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

“The President said free speech is central to democratic societies anywhere in the world. The President explained that without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about governance issues,” the statement said.

The Senate last week passed for second reading a bill meant to silence the media disguised as a bill to prevent frivolous petitions.

However, the President has assured that Nigerians need not worry, as he will not append his signature to any bill that runs foul of the constitution, even though he is not averse to lawful regulation.

“As a key component of democratic principles, people are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might,” the statement added.