Hate Speech, Ethnic Profiling: South-east Traditional, Religious Leaders Demand Tough Action against Perpetrators

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Traditional and religious leaders in the South-east geopolitical zone have condemned the festering hate speech and ethnic profiling pervading the national landscape, saying the federal authorities should descend heavily on perpetrators.

The leaders, under the aegis of Joint Body of South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Religious Leaders on Peace and Conflict Resolution,” in a statement, expressed “grave concern” over the ballooning ethnic hatred.

Representatives of the traditional and religious leaders that signed the statement included Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, and the immediate past  Chairman, Enugu State/South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu.

Other signatories were Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Chibuzu Opoko, and Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke.

The joint body stated, “The resurgent escalation of hate speech and ethnic profiling targeting Ndigbo community was becoming common, thereby posing ‘significant threat to the unity and stability of Nigeria’.

“The destructive potential of hate speech and ethnic profiling cannot be overstated. History has shown us how quickly unchecked hostility can lead to catastrophic consequences, such as the tragic events of

the Rwandan genocide and the Nigeria Civil War.

“We must learn from these painful chapters of our history to ensure they are never repeated.”

The body added that Nigerians should be alert at “recognising that the path of division and hatred leads only to destruction”.

While it commended President Bola Tinubu for condemning and issuing a warning to ethnic bigots and merchants of hate speech in his speech on August 4, the joint body said prompt action was needed as “it may be disastrous if the law tarries”.

it stated, “More concrete steps and visible actions need to be taken to urgently address this issue, which we note is not specifically linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests but has rather become a recurring theme of Nigeria’s socio-political turbulence.”

In order to stem the tide and prevent ethnic bigotry and hate speech from spiralling out of control, the prominent South-east leaders called for “legal and legislative action”.

They stated, “We urge the government to immediately sanction and prosecute all those using and supporting the use of hate speech and ethnic profiling against Ndigbo and other ethnic groups.

“We also urge the National Assembly to expedite the passage of comprehensive legislation that criminalises hate speech and ethnic profiling, with stringent penalties for offenders.”

The statement noted the need for education and creation of awareness on the dangers of ethnic bigotry, saying that a nationwide campaign should be launched immediately “to educate citizens on the dangers of hate speech and the importance of ethnic harmony”.

It said, “This can be achieved through public service announcements, workshops, seminars, media and community outreach.”

The leaders added that “all lovers of peace in Nigeria should undertake or support this at individual and corporate levels”.

The joint body called on community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders across Nigeria “to initiate dialogue sessions within their communities to foster understanding and cooperation among different ethnic groups”.

It stated that the media had a crucial role to play in stopping ethnic bigotry and hate speech on their tracks through manifest responsibility and accountability.

The organisation said, “We urge media houses to be self-accounting in adopting a code of conduct that discourages the dissemination of divisive content and encourages reporting that builds bridges between communities.

“The media must continue to play its pivotal role in promoting unity as time-honoured members of the fourth estate.”

The group called on security and law enforcement agencies “to be vigilant and proactive in addressing incidents of hate speech and ethnic profiling”.

it said, “Perpetrators must be held accountable to deter others from engaging in such harmful behaviour.”

The leaders implored all Nigerians “to remember the horrors of the past and to work together to build a future based on mutual respect, understanding, and unity”.

They stated, “The strength of our nation lies in its diversity, and it is only through embracing this diversity that we can achieve lasting peace and progress.”