The United Nations has advised Nigerians to abstain from hate speech, adding that the consequences are severe as electioneering campaigns for the general elections intensify. He stressed, “In Nigeria, with national elections imminent, we must be watchful for any upsurge in hate speech and disinformation, particularly if tensions were to rise between political, regional, or ethnic groups. From historical experience, we know that atrocities have been preceded by hate speech. “Hate speech is a threat to our cherished values, to the cohesion of our societies, and the lives of our most vulnerable, especially women and girls. The alarm bells were ringing from the very beginning; hate speech and disinformation; contempt for human rights and the rule of law; the glorification of violence and tales of racial supremacy; disdain for democracy and diversity.”

Source: Punch January 27, 2023 02:51 UTC