The Nigeria Union of Journalists has commended
the Federal Government for directing the National
Broadcasting Commission to sanction any Radio
or Television station that promotes hate speech.
The commendation was contained in a
communique issued by NUJ on Wednesday in
Kano at the end of its second National
Conference held between February 19 and
February 20.
The Communique, signed by the NUJ National
President and Secretary, Abdulwaheed Odusile
and Shuaibu Usman Leman respectively,
described the step taken by the Federal
Government as a welcome development.
The conference, therefore, enjoined the National
Broadcasting Commission to live up to its
responsibilities by monitoring and applying the
relevant sections of the law on erring broadcast
stations.
It stated: “The recent Federal Government’s
directive to NBC to sanction any Radio or
Television station that turns their platforms to
purvey hate speech is a welcome development.
“The conference also welcomes steps being
taken by the Federal Government through the
relevant agencies to strictly enforce the Cyber
Crime Act of 2015.
“The Act stipulates a punishment of five years
imprisonment or a fine of N10 million on anyone
convicted of an offence threatening violence or
insulting people based on ethnicity, religion or
race.”
The conference, however, stressed the need for
political, religious, traditional and other leaders to
lead by example and have self-control as well as
guide their aides and followers against making
hate speeches.
It also stated: “While the constitutional right of
freedom of speech and association remains
inviolable, political campaigns and speeches in
whatever form should be issues-based and
within the limits of the rules of the game.”
NUJ said as watchdog of the society and the
‘fourth estate of realm’, journalists should stem
the trend of hate speech but encourage freedom
of speech as guaranteed by the Nigerian
constitution.
It said: “They (journalists) should uphold the
fundamental objectives contained in the chapter
II of the Constitution and also the responsibility
and accountability of the government to the
people.’’
The conference also urged NUJ, the umbrella
body of media practice in the country, to educate
its members on the importance of self-respect,
discipline and to always uphold truth and
Justice.
It also called for the immediate empowerment of
the Nigerian Press Council to enable it carry out
its functions effectively.
The conference expressed appreciation to the
people and government of Kano State for the
hospitality and support accorded the NUJ to
successfully host the Conference.
The conference with the theme: “Hate speech:
Halting the Tide Before It Is Too Late” was
attended by 500 participants.
They included veteran journalists, media moguls,
former NUJ National Presidents; as well as
members of the National Executive Council from
the 36 states and FCT.



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