In Nigeria, Truth Is Being Murdered On Social Media- Shettima

The vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),  Kashim Shettima has alleged that a series of fake stories on social media against him are coordinated and sponsored by top Nigerian politicians.

The former Borno governor described social media as the place where “truth goes to die” in the country.

Shettima made the remarks on Sunday in Abuja during a reception in his honour by the Borno Indigenes Forum.

The vice-presidential candidate said the social media spaces playing a host of fake stories have also served as platforms where the truth is being murdered in Nigeria.

“I would’ve veered off to a place of hate if I had allowed the bigotries I encountered to define me. Even as a two-time governor and, now, senator, I’m just as vulnerable to bigotry as every Nigerian,” Shettima said.

“If you intend to see where the truth goes to die in Nigeria, then don’t look too far away from the electronic exchanges on social media. Most of the falsehoods dispensed are, unfortunately, carefully-coordinated attacks by agents of those running for the highest office in the country.

“My venturing into politics has taken me to the bank of this river of hatred between and among groups in the country. Sometimes, you come across the energy devoted to promoting their improbable fiction that you begin to wonder if their redemption is possible—if they would ever agree to submit to superior facts. But we have to thank the exceptional citizens and journalists volunteering to fact-check the imaginary stories.”

Shettima said he feels emotional whenever pictures of his engagements with locals are shared on social media with another narrative different from the truth.