….says future of lives, democracy at risk
By Jude Opara
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, has warned that hate speech, describing it as a direct violation of human rights and a threat to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and development.
In a statement on Thursday, the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed said Ojukwu who was speaking on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, stated that hate speech strips people of their dignity and violates the right to equality and non-discrimination, contrary to Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
However, he cautioned that while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to speech that incites hatred, hostility, and violence.
The NHRC boss added that under Sections 24 and 26 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act 2015, the deliberate spread of offensive and inflammatory messages online is already recognized as an offence, insisting that the law must be matched with responsible conduct by political actors, traditional and religious leaders, citizens and the media.
According to Ojukwu, if left unchecked, hate speech could fuel division and lay the foundation for conflict, because when communities are set against each other, public trust erodes, businesses shut down, schools close, and investment diminishes.
“Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces families, and reverses years of developmental gains. No nation can build on the ruins of hatred,” he said.
“With the 2027 general elections approaching, hate speech poses a serious risk to the credibility of the process and to citizens’ rights to vote and be voted for.
“ Inflammatory rhetoric could intimidate voters, suppress participation, and deepen ethnic and religious fault lines.
“Hate speech is not harmless talk. It is a trigger for conflict, a brake on national development, and a betrayal of our shared humanity. Let us not allow this monster to spread ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If we do, we will pay for it with lives, livelihoods, and the future of our democracy,” he warned.
Ojukwu pledged that the NHRC will continue to monitor compliance also called on all Nigerians to reject hate speech, verify information before sharing, and report incitement to violence and discrimination to the appropriate authorities.
