2023: ACF Accuses Politicians Of Causing Tension, Promoting Hate Speech

Politicians across political parties have been accused of causing tension and lawlessness as election campaigns and contests gather pace.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) made the observation in a statement in Kaduna, warning that lawlessness is left unchecked, can lead to violence and conflict on a grand scale.

The statement entitled “Hate speech and violence will be our death,” and signed by the ACF Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, said in addition to insecurity and the growing economic crises, desperate politicians and their self-appointed community champions add more fuel to the fire.

“Shamefully, most are driven by blind ambition or plain hatred. No one can fail to notice the alarming rise of tension and lawlessness as the election campaigns and contests gather pace. There are reports that some politicians are engaging thugs and violent individuals to attack their opponents, spreading terror and fear everywhere.”

“Of much greater concern, however, is the resort to hate speech, insults, and threats of violence being issued by the political leaders, including by state governors. They seem to be pathetically unaware that the distance between hate speeches and violence, even genocide, is a very short one.

“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. It poses grave dangers to the unity and stability of a democratic society, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law. Unchecked, it can lead to acts of violence and conflict on a grand scale. ”

According to the statement, the apology offered by Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State was a relief, adding that the governor’s hostile comments on the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, dominated discussion in the country for much of last week.

The Electoral Act as amended supports the prescribed heavy punishment for infractions such as this, saying hate speeches and acts of violence and aggression are rife in this campaign season can only mean that the laws are not being enforced.

The ACF warned leaders at whatever level to be cautious in their utterances so the country can have a peaceful election and transition to the next government.