NAN-H-110
Speech
Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) Savannah Centre for Diplomacy Democracy and Development (SCDDD), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called on Nigerian politicians to desist from hate speeches during election campaigns.
Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Abdullah Omaki, made the call at a stakeholder’s Media Validation Workshop on Wednesday in Abuja.
The workshop was aimed at fashioning our how to reduce hate speeches in the country, especially during electioneering campaign.
“Disturbingly, the run-up to Nigeria’s 2015 elections was characterised by hate speeches, inciting campaigns, inflammatory statements in both broadcast and print media.’’
Omaki said that regulatory bodies maintained a passive stance while the situation lasted and degenerated, due to weak regulatory guidelines and laws, adding therefore, the workshop would address issues of “bad character’’ in politics.
He urged the forum to evolve ways of addressing the challenges faced by political leaders in the country, warning that if hate speeches in politics were not tackled, there would continue to be violence during elections.
“There is need for media regulatory bodies to monitor and place sanctions on the ailing media houses or broadcasting stations found guilty of such offence of hate speeches and inciting contents,’’ he said.
According to Omaki, the outcome of this validation exercise will form the final working document of the Advocacy Council set up to advance the objectives of the project.
He said that the discussions on the issues, through an assessment of the existing regulatory guidelines, would ensure a balance of measures that would address administrative gaps.
This, he said, would bring up clear practice guidelines in favour of national stability through a carefully selected council of respected individuals.
The executive secretary expressed optimism that the project would provide the required platform for the discussions towards bridging the identified gaps in the country`s political system.
The group urged the media to base its agenda for reporting of elections and democratic governance issues on public interest and credible processes, development and democratic accountability.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the validation exercise looked at the various issues based on equitable access, professionalism and social responsibility, among others. (NAN)
COO/EEM.OPI
Edited by Emmanuel Mogbede and Olisa Ifeajika