The Programme Officer of Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Isa Gatba, has called for multi-stakeholders’ approach towards addressing the challenges and danger posed by hate speeches in Nigerian social media.
Garba made the appeal while addressing newsmen in Bauchi.
He said that hate speech was not an issue that could only be handled by some selected organizations that volunteer to do that, but the society has to champion the task of both campaign against hate and dangerous speech.
He stressed the need for the public to be sensitized on how to positively react to hate speech and hate speaker without giving them the chance to achieve the evil objectives.
Garba also called on religious leaders especially at this period of Ramadan fast to ensure that they refrain from using inciting language, and caution their followers from using hate speech to voice their grievances.
He said, “Religious and community leaders must always condemn hate speech where it is made. They should enlighten the public against hate and dangerous speech”.
Garba explained that the leaders must promote dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts and support the promotion of inclusivity in all governance programmes and activities at all levels.
CITAD implored upon individuals to not only refrain from engaging in hate speech but also refuse to be provoked by it, saying once people do not react to hate speech, it loses its capacity to catalyze violence.
