2019 general elections: NHRC seeks to curb hate speech, fake news

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

Concern that fake news and hate speech could give rise to lack of confidence in the electoral process, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday embarked on processes to curb hate speech and fake news. The NHRC said it has commenced administering questionnaires, through its state offices to gauge the incidence of hate speech, fake news and electoral violence throughout the six geopolitical zones in the country. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, who disclosed this while speaking at an interface with key regulators and stakeholders on hate speeches, fake news and election violence held in Abuja on Tuesday said, findings from the survey will enable the Commission put up directive or an advisory on hate speeches, fake news and electoral violence, with a view to creating an enabling environment for free and fair 2019 general elections. He said the spread of hate speeches and fake news have the propensity to fan prejudice, incite electoral violence and thus, raise contentious issues before, during and after the elections. This, he said could give rise to lack of confidence in the electoral process, mutual distrust and ultimately affect the outcome of the acceptance of the election. As a way of addressing the disturbing issues, Ojukwu said the NHRC will soon commission social media ambassadors to promote activities against hate, fake speeches and election violence. Following the interface, organised by the NHRC, in collaboration with MacArthur foundation, Tony said the Commission is proposing the formation of a Coalition Against Hate, Fake and Dangerous Speeches (CAFAHADS). The NHRC boss said the global menace of hate speeches and fake news constitute danger to human rights, sustainable development, peace and security, adding that, “This has become a potent tool in the hands of individuals and groups that wish to truncate our democratic governance”. In his speech, a human right lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) said there are enough laws in Nigeria’s constitution to deal with issues of hate speeches, fake news and electoral violence in the country. Falana said the problem is the lack of political will to implement the laws, even as he warned against forwarding of fake text messages with hate speeches, because of the stringent punishment that will be meted out on any body found guilty of hate speeches and fake news. The senior lawyer called on Nigeria politicians to endeavour to build a fake and hate speech free society.