x

Hate speech: Igbo Muslims Fleeing Their Homes

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has appealed to authors of hate speech and fake news to rewind, soften up and show remorse. The group argued that deradicalisation is necessary in order to douse tension in the country and avoid nationwide pogrom. MURIC fingered prominent pastors and opposition politicians among those behind hate speech. The group blamed some media houses and irresponsible social media activists for fake news.

The appeal was made on Monday, 15th March, 2021 by the director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement read:

“The world holds its breath as Nigeria passes through difficult times. Hate speeches and fake news fly around at the speed of light. Already, fiery, combustible and inflammatory speeches have led to the killing of Muslims and Northerners in some parts of the South East and South West.

“Many Muslims of Igbo extraction have fled their homes to safer places after receiving death threats from fellow Igbos for daring to convert to Islam. Several mosques located in the South East have been set on fire. Yet all these began after the commencement of hate speech and fake news just about four years ago.

“Unfortunately, the Federal Government’s (FG) attempt to bring the situation under control was rebuffed by those behind the plot to destabilize Nigeria. They killed the hate speech bill and gave unbridled license to the spread of fake news. Among the most active authors of hate speech were prominent pastors and opposition politicians and the latter played a major role in the rejection of the hate speech bill in the last National Assembly (NASS). Besides, some media houses and irresponsible social media activists were behind the spread of fake news.

“We observe that the present state of insecurity in the country is due mainly to abject poverty in the North and hate speeches in the South. MURIC is closely monitoring the situation particularly regarding hate speeches and fake news. Our archives are full of audio and video clips of hate speeches of popular pastors and prominent politicians. Every single evidence has been syndicated with instructions to act on them at the appropriate time.

“This will ensure that all those who have incited their people against others will be made to pay for their crimes unless they retrace their steps. It is not too late to do that. Authors of hate speech know themselves because the audio and video clips went viral and they also received copies. We therefore advise these people to begin a process of deradicalisation. It is time to rewind, soften up and show remorse. Load your sermons and speeches with messages of love for humanity and the need for Nigerians to forgive one another.”

Hot this week

ASUU Describes FG Loan Proposal as Poison Chalice

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Academic Staff Union of Universities...

Prof Usman Ogbo Congratulates New Polytechnic Governing Council

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic,...

Sokoto Advancement Forum Seeks Partnership with Police on Security

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto A delegation from the Sokoto Advancement...

Plateau ALGON tours 17 LGCs, pledges commitment to rural development

By Israel Adamu, Jos The Plateau State chapter of the...

Bichi Pensioners Elect New Executives

By Jabiru Hassan The Bichi Local Government chapter of the...

Chinese film on Nanjing Massacre resonates with Nigerian audience Source:...

Oborevwori, Senator Nwoko Hail Igbo Socio-Cultural Group for Tackling Identity Crisis

By Anne Azuka The Igbo Unification Movement, in collaboration with...

Tinubu Declares 9th National Youth Games Open in Delta

By Anne Azuka The 9th National Youth Games kicked off...

PAAU Gets NUC Approval for MBBS Program

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Faculty of Medicine at Prince...

Kaduna: London-Based Philanthropist, Andishu, Lauds Gov. Sani’s Security and Peace Model

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna London-based Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Moses...

Aliyu Flags Off 2025 Tree Planting in Sokoto, Urges Collective Action Against Desertification

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu has launched the...

KGIRS Targets Over ₦3bn Monthly Revenue in 2026

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Chairman of the Kogi State...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img