2019: Kwara warns against hate speech

KWARA state government has read riot acts to both religious and political leaders among others in the state against making hate speech in the approaching electioneering period.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Thursday after the state executive council meeting, the commissioner for Information and Communication, Mahmud Ajeigbe and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communication, Muyideen Akorede, said that the electioneering should be devoid of utterances that could disrupt peace in the state.

The government, which warned that anybody found acting to the contrary would pay dearly for it, said that it would not condone hate speech, incitement and any other remarks capable of disturbing public order.

The governor’s aides said that the government had resolved that anybody suspected of making such utterances would be handed over to the police for necessary lawful actions on him.

They said the government’s focus was on political circle as well as any other sphere where inciting and speeches that could disrupt public peace were made

Akorede said that the governor advised political, religious and other leaders of relevant groups to be cautious of inciting statements and check their members from such.

Ajeigbe said that the council also resolved at the meeting that the government should re-strategize on the implementation of evaluation and monitor policy that would put ministries, departments and agencies of the government on their toes performance of their functions.

He said the policy would also ensure commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of public fund.