Browsing: Hate Speech

The Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Alhaji Balarabe Shehu gave the task while speaking at the opening of the agency’s two-day workshop in Lagos towards promoting objective political reportage, especially as the country prepares for the next general elections.

Under the circumstance, Nigerian leaders have found it expedient to take steps to consciously dissuade the use of intemperate language that can inflame passion and cause anarchy in society. But this has to be done without encroaching on the fundamental principle of freedom of expression which democracy guarantees.

Abdullahi, who is the sponsor of the Anti-hate Speech Bill before the Senate, said the purveyors of hate speech are determined to frustrate consideration of the bill by pretending to be advocates of “free speech” to thwart its passage and continue unhindered in their trade of victimising others.