The National Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over the rise in hate speech across the country, fueled by politicians seeking political patronage.
Executive Secretary of the Commission Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN who stated this in Abuja ahead of the Gubernatorial and State Assembly polls says hate speech has led to ethnic and religious sentiments being used to create division, fear, and hatred among different groups.
Ojukwu while stressing the misuse of social media to spread ethnic and religious hate-laced messages warned that it could lead to a breakdown of law and order, increasing vulnerabilities and risks, including death, internal displacements, kidnapping, recruitment into terrorist activities, and other forms of human rights abuses.
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He called on the government to take all steps to reaffirm its commitment to protecting all persons from the violation of their right to freedom of residence, association, assembly, political party, or association of choice.
The Chief Human Rights officer of Nigeria urges all persons involved to take urgent steps to stop any divisive tendencies.
The National Human Rights Commission while affirming its commitment to uphold human rights and protect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression says perpetrators of human abuses will face severe consequences under the law.
Editor: Ena Agbanoma
