Increase in hate speech is because of economic recession - Ifeanyi Okowa
- The current economic recession in the country has been blamed for the rise in hate speech, by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state
- The governor however advised citizens to engage the Nigerian state peacefully, rather than engage in hate speeches that generates tension
- Okowa stated that when hate speeches are heard outside Nigeria, it will dissuade potential investors from investing in the country
Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor of Delta state, has stated that the recent increase in hate speech across the country is caused by the current economic recession.
According to reports, the governor made his comments during a courtesy visit by members of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in Asaba, on Wednesday, August 30.
The delegation was led by Hon. Mathias Eto.
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However, the governor advised members of the public to employ appropriate channels to address their grievances.
He stated: “There is no doubt that because of the recession, people are easily getting angry; but it is time for us as a people to realize that there are several constitutional avenues for us to lay our complaints.
“People should try to have more reasonable means to engage the Nigerian state peacefully, rather than engage in hate speeches that generates tension.
“When these types of speeches are heard outside the shores of the country, it will discourage foreign direct investments and make local investors to be cautious, which will further endanger our fragile economy.”
The governor further praised the commission for stabilizing the polity.
He stated: “Anything that will help us achieve peace in the state will be welcomed. As a government, we have a lot of avenues for peace-building and to cement the existing peace and unity in our state.”
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, set in motion a process for the arrest and prosecution of peddlers of hate speech, following the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The development was made public by Moshood Jimoh, spokesman of the Nigerian Police Force.
Watch this Legit.ng TV video of Nigerians reacting to the news that Buhari was chased out of his office by rats.
Source: Legit.ng