On hate speech

It appears free speech, protest and constructive participation of the common man on government policies and programmes are being threatened. The 1999 constitution in section 39(1) states that “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference”. This also prompted the former President Goodluck Jonathan to assent to the Freedom of Information Bill, FoI in 2011. This paved way for individuals to make comments on national discourse.

The constitution allows ownership of media outfit(s) including radio, television and newspaper. But not all of us can afford that, so social media is the affordable way through which the common man can air his views. Recently, the federal government held a conference in Jos and Lagos with media owners and editors to embrace developmental journalism (this is good) and avoid hate speech in their reportage. The conference was chaired by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alh Lai Muhammed. Shortly after that, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, while meeting with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, made a declaration that government would treat hate speech as an act of terrorism.

I must state clearly that people across the country are angry over one thing or the other, giving rise to some of the comments that are now termed hate speech. Hate speech will not thrive where there is social justice. Agitations by IPOB, Niger Delta Avengers, herders, Arewa youths and other groups are due to perceived injustice. The government should look into these issues and address them.