The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has cautioned Nigerians against hate speech, saying it could lead to crisis and war.
The Oyo State NSCDC Commandant, John Adewoye, gave the warning on Thursday in Ibadan during a seminar organised by the command on hate speech.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the seminar is: “Danger of Hate Speeches in the Polity and its Effect on the wellbeing of the Society.’’
Adewoye said that tension has been high as a result of people heating up the polity as a result of 2019 general election, which was fast approaching.
The commandant said that hate speech, language full of anger and hatred have filled the media space and social media.
“Outright false information by mischief makers who are putting their personal interest above national interest with selfish agenda.
“Hate speeches sometimes begin as a joke, propaganda, calling different tribes, ethnics names which are very derogatory in nature and this must stop for peace to reign in the country,’’ Adewoye said.
He urged Nigerians to embrace peace, love their neigbours, detest rumours and counter misinformation in order to have a peaceful and united Nigeria.
In his lecture, Dr Nathaniel Danjibo, Coordinator, Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, said that hate speeches are not new as it was an age long experience interfused.
Danjibo said that hate speech has destroyed many countries, saying that Nigeria government should urgently check this so that it does not destroy the country.
“Hate speech is often the gateway to discrimination, harassment and violence.
“Hate speech has been part of Nigeria’s political experience for a long time.
“A national identity is built with a sense of nationhood, Nigerians must think of Nigeria first and shun hate speech because its end result could be catastrophe, which will do nobody any good,’’ Danjibo said.
He called on Nigerians to channel individual, group and sectional interest towards making government accountable rather than dissipating energy and engaging in hate speech.
Mr Segun Bolarinwa, Special Adviser on Security to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, commended NSCDC for organising the seminar and pledged government’s support to the security agencies in the state.
Bolarinwa said that security was key to development and hate speech can destroy, bring down the government and this should not be encouraged.
Dignitaries present at the occasion include: the Oyo State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mutiu Agboke, Oyo State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Dolapo Dosumu.
Others are the representatives of different political parties, religious and opinion leaders among others. (NAN)