Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has expressed concern over the rising cases of hate speech during political campaigns in Kano.
CITAD’s Senior Programmes Officer, Malam Isah Garba made the indication while briefing newsmen in Kano.
According to him,the Centre is deeply concerned about the attitude of politicians, as well as that of security agencies towards stakeholders willing to support them in promoting peace in the state.
Malam Isah explained that, on several occasions, politicians were heard making inciting comments and hate speech during political campaigns.
“You may recall that such statements emanated from some party chairmen and high profile politicians in Kano”
He hinted that, those concerned about the peaceful coexistence in the state ,through a peaceful political atmosphere, are highly disturbed by the increase in inflammatory and provocative statements, coming from high level politicians in the state.
The senior programmes officer highlighted that, on 26th November 2022, CITAD issued a press statement calling on security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to invite the culprits, and caution them against the use of dangerous speech during political rallies.
He pointed out that, lack of action by the security agencies in the state, might lead to citizens losing confidence on the electoral process, at a time when the President is promising the world a legacy of free, fair and credible election.
“As we speak at this moment,there is no clear action taken by security to arrest the situation, and this gives room for the politicians to continue with the provocative statements,which are detrimental to the peace of the electoral process”
Malam Isah Garba, charged the police and relevant security agencies in the state, to take the necessary action on those found guilty of instigating their followers, and engaging in hate speech to achieve free and fair elections.
KHADIJAH ALIYU