From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
As way of curbing hate and dangerous speeches expecially this time when elections campaigns are taking places, Carefronting Nigeria in collaboration with Peace Tech lab has cautioned Nigerians to shun hate speech and divisive comments ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking at a One day workshop which involved stakeholder from various way of live, the
Country Director,of Equal Access International,(EAI) Dr. Maji Peterx how is the facilitator of the workshop urged the stakeholders to create relationship instead of violence.
“We expect the participants to be media literate, to also have respect for one another. We should all be cautious of what we say, how we say them and who we target with what we say because it could lead to more devastating situation”.
Dr, Maji, explained that hate speech poses danger to the unity and stability of the country, adding that it can lead to acts of violence and conflict which can also lead to genocide, he said.
“Hate speech, for whatever reason, covers many forms of expression but all incite, promote or justify hatred, violence and discrimination against an individual or group of people. We should all say no to hate speech”.
Dr, Peterx who is also a Media Guru,said “hate speech lead to dangerous speech that causes genocide, a lot of hate speech has led to entire community being razed down, it has caused a lot of people being maimed and attacked”.
Earlier the program manager, of the Carefronting Nigeria,Mrs,Tessy Gusim, said the ‘Training Workshop on Strategic Communication-is Countering Hate and Dangerous Speech’ through educating the stakeholders in Kaduna State.
She advised Nigerians to shun hatred and inciting statement that could lead to violence in the country expecially this time when elections campaigns are taking places in this country so there is need for this workshop.
One of the participant, Anita Nchat from Amina Dyslexia Centre thanked Carefronting Nigeria for the opportunity, adding that there is need to continue the process.