Hate speech will no longer be tolerated in Nigeria – Osinbajo

The Nigerian government has drawn a line on hate speech in the country, equating it to terrorism.

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, stated this on Thursday at the National Economic Council security retreat held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He said the intimidation of a population by words or speech is an act of terrorism and will no longer be tolerated by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

He warned that the government intends to take the matter seriously.

“As I have said, we have drawn a line against hate speech, it will not be tolerated, it will be taken as an act of terrorism and all of the consequences will follow.”

Mr. Osinbajo called on Nigerian business, political and religious leaders to condemn “in the strongest possible terms, hate speeches that promote violence against an individual or a group, especially when such speech come from people of your own faith, tribe or group.

“When leaders in communities that speak in such a manner to create dissension or intimidate the population are quiet, they do a great disservice to our unity, they do a great disservice to our nation”

“Your silence in such situation can only be seen as an endorsement.” Mr. Osinbajo said.