One would have expected that the method recommended by the current Nigerian government in combating the increasing level of hate speeches was preventive and constitutional. Last week, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo, said that hate speeches now amount to treason. That anyone found guilty of making utterances capable of inciting the public will be given the treason treatment.

One would have expected something more like a bill signed into law after proper examination by the National Assembly. It didn’t happen. He simply made a statement that is neither founded nor different from what all the other leaders who governed this country ever said. He expected this reactionary method to be implemented immediately. He forgot about laws.

If a person incites the people with a speech laced with hatred and treason, what exact laws would be used in prosecuting such a person? The mere words of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, or the laws created to tackle such statement? Personally, I find it hard to believe that our leaders, both past and present, have no clue on how to solve hate speeches. They simply have no balls or will to fight the menace.

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http://www.mortalpoet.com/mr-vice-president-that-is-not-how-to-fight-hate-speeches/

Even though I haven't read this but I totally agree.

they just planned to shut opposition...

I was listening to a radio station this morning... I caller called...and said, "Buhari cannot do anything in Nigeria, that he doesn't have the capacity to transform Nigeria.." the presenter cut him off...that they don't tolerate hate speech... I was like, so, to criticize a govt now means hate speech?

Besides, to love a person or group is a choice.
the govt can not force me or anyone else to love or hate another...
it's my choice...
what the govt can do is to appeal to Nigerians to love themselves....
if I hate you, I hate you... even if I didn't say it, it won't change anything.

toolovely:
they just planned to shut opposition...

I was listening to a radio station this morning... I caller called...and said, "Buhari cannot do anything in Nigeria, that he doesn't have the capacity to transform Nigeria.." the presenter cut him off...that they don't tolerate hate speech... I was like, so, to criticize a govt now means hate speech?

Besides, to love a person or group is a choice.
the govt can not force me or anyone else to love or hate another...
it's my choice...
what the govt can do is to appeal to Nigerians to love themselves....
if I hate you, I hate you... even if I didn't say it, it won't change anything.

It won't be possible in Nigeria though because there is a mental shift on how we view speeches. There's a little upward spiritual(not religion) movement that wouldn't permit any avenue for fascism or absolute despotism.

Osinbajo simply uttered words with neither wings nor direction. His words won't fly. He'd have to sign laws to that effect for it to have effect. Besides that, he is simply chasing the wind like other leaders.