A former minister, Jibril Aminu, has said that hate speeches caused Nigeria’s 1967 civil war.
Aminu condemned those making divisive comments, warning that war was not what any sane person should toy with.
He spoke during the 4th annual conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria in Kano on Wednesday.
The former federal lawmaker noted that those behind such should bear in mind that no one will be spared if the country boils.
“Nigerians should be wary of being drawn into the same trap that led to the civil war”, Aminu warned.
The professor appealed to the media to be proactive in its reportage and avoids acts capable of further dividing the nation.
In his remark, Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, lamented “the trend of hates speeches from various individuals and groups”.
He added that the government is addressing the issue of hate speech, fake news and misinformation.
“Enemies of the government are responsible for the mischievous speeches aimed at causing unnecessary distractions and heating the polity”, he said.
Mohammed, however, assured that government would not gag the media or free speech.
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