Of hate speech and terrorism

Recently, the media in reported that the acting President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, declared that henceforth, anybody caught making hate speech would be considered and treated as a terrorist.

Five Boko Haram terrorists under the custody of the Nigerian government were recently released in exchange for the freedom of 82 Chibok girls.

Still, the remaining terrorists in government’s net are currently undergoing rehabilitation after which they can be released back to the society to live among the people whose loved ones they have slaughtered, bombed, destroyed their homes, or turned into refugees in their own country. The terrorists burnt people’s fathers, mothers, children, uncles, aunties, friends, etc, into ashes.

However, I would like to ask the following questions. After arresting those found making hate speech, who would be regarded as terrorists, can some of them be released in exchange for the freedom of other Chibok girls?

Can they be equally rehabilitated and set free to go back and live among the people just the same way it is done to the Boko Haram terrorists?

I honest love to know if the hate speech terrorists can be given the same preferential treatment enjoyed by the Boko Haram group. I need convincing, simple and satisfying answers to enable me complete my research work on hate speech, Boko Haram terrorists and their treatment by the Nigerian government.

Awunah Terwase,

Mpape, Abuja.