NGO advises politicians against using hate speech to settle scores

A Kano-based Non-Governmental Organization, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has advised politicians to stop using hate speech against those they considered to be a threat to their political aspirations.

The CITAD Senior Programme Officer, Mr Isah Garba made the call while addressing a news conference in Kano on Saturday.

He said the call became necessary in order to promote peace, unity and stability in the country.

“We want to call on politicians to stop using hate speech against those they consider to be either a threat to their political ambitions or think as non-obedient.”

He said as an NGO that promotes peaceful coexistence in the country, the CITAD would continue to collaborate with relevant Stakeholders in the campaign against hate speech in the country.

“We found hate and dangerous speech to be an issue of serious concern generally for almost all African countries during the recently concluded Internet Freedom Forum held at Lagos.”

“This is an issue of great concern to every peace loving individual and organisations that attended the meeting,” he said.

He called on community and religious leaders as well as traditional rulers in the country not to relent in their efforts of sensitising their followers on the need to continue to live in peace with one another.

“Security agencies should try to be more proactive in treating potential violent issues and at the same time endeavour to be objective in carrying out their assignments,” he added.

Source: NAN