Tax evasion, fraud allegations against me untrue, politically motivated, says Kachikwu
• Social media, fake news biggest threats to 2023 elections, DSS warns
THE presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC), Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, has refuted allegations of tax evasion and fraud levelled against him, describing them as “untrue, baseless and politically motivated.”
Kachikwu, who spoke yesterday in Abuja, said he is in the process of instituting legal action against the perpetrators for defamation and libel.
This came as the Department of State Services ( DSS) warned that the spread of fake news and hate speeches on social media poses the biggest threat to the 2023 general elections.
Responding to questions from journalists at a briefing in Abuja, DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, noted that sharing of fake news, alongside incorrect and inflammatory commentary, has led to violence in parts of the country.
He said: “We are into elections and political programmes have started. What the media and every stakeholder must do is ensure that the game is played according to rules. Nigerians must avoid any act that promotes hate and disintegration, and say no to separatist movements, terrorism, fake news, hate speech, religious bigotry and any act that tends to divide us as a nation.
“Social media and fake news are the biggest threats to human existence, not only to elections. Fake news is a major cause of violence in our society now. As journalists, you should always fact check information before publishing.
“I want to assure that the DSS won’t abdicate its responsibilities and would continue to do the right thing, no matter whose ox is gored.” K
ACHIKWU said: “I have instructed my lawyers to sue all digital media organisations who participated in the dissemination of this falsehood.
“They will also petition the police to arrest and prosecute all those who have breached the Cybercrime Act by using Twitter to defame, harass and threaten me. I will no longer tolerate this persistent attacks from sore losers.”