By Joseph Edegbo
Kaduna (Nigeria)– Nigerians have been urged to imbibe the spirit of patriotism and selflessness to avoid hate and dangerous speeches in the country.
The advise is contained in a communique issued at the end of a one- day Public Sensitization on Hate and Dangerous Speeches organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development CITAD held in Kaduna, north west of the country.
The Communique also stressed the need for justice and fairness to prevail in the society, while those in authority should live exemplary lives and set good benchmarks for others to follow.
Security Agencies, the Communique recommends, should respect the rights of citizens and operate by their positive rules of engagement.
The participants affirmed that no religion preaches violence and hatred among people hence the need for clerics to strictly avoid the use of hate speeches in their preaching.
They suggested constant and synergetic collaboration among various peace stakeholders in Nigeria and the need for politicians to be seen to respect moral and societal ethics by avoiding any speech that is capable of mobilizing people to acts of violence especially, as the nation approaches the 2019 General elections.
CITAD is an NGO which raises awareness and enlighten the public on the consequences arising from hate and dangerous speeches..
Participants at the forum were drawn from the CSOs, Media, Students Union, religious leaders and traditional rulers.
