By Edith Nwapi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday urged the Federal Government to decisively tackle the rising spate of hate speech and divisive rhetoric in the country.
Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, made the call while addressing a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
“At a critical moment in our national life, as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Elections, the commission considers it necessary to draw public attention to these growing concerns.
“The commission has a responsibility to speak whenever public discourse threatens peaceful coexistence, human dignity, equality, peace and the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms.
” In the recent weeks, we have cause to express concern over statements attributed to certain public figures, including Sheikh Sani Jingir and Sen. Francis Fadahunsi,” he said.
Ojukwu said while freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, freedom of expression carries responsibilities.
” It does not provide a licence to incite violence, promote hatred, dehumanise others or deliberately provoke hostility against persons or communities.
” Our intervention today is therefore not directed at any political party, religious group, ethnic community or individual.
” It is a human rights intervention aimed at protecting the dignity and equal worth of every person and preserving the conditions necessary for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.”he said.
Every Nigerian, he said, had a role to play.
“To our political leaders, we say: compete on ideas, programmes, competence and your record of service—not on hatred or division.
” To our religious and traditional leaders, we say: use your platforms to build bridges, promote tolerance and protect the dignity of every Nigerian.
“To the media, we say: inform the public without becoming an amplifier of hatred or incitement.”he said.
He said a situation room had been created with a toll free line 6472 for the public to give their information. (NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza