Checkout Communique Issued At The End Of Extraordinary Meeting Of NCI On Hate Speeches, Other Vices

PREAMBLE

Executive Governor, Plateau State welcome stakeholders of the Council of Information to the city of Jos, Plateau State with iconic name as “Home of Peace and Tourism” Hosting the Information Stakeholders in the nation led by the Honourable Minister of Information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Honourable Commissioners of Information from various states was timely with the theme of the conference Hate speeches, Fake News and National Unity.

The Extraordinary meeting of the National Council on Information was declared open by the Deputy Governor of Plateau State Prof. Sonni G. Tyoden, representing the Executive Governor of Plateau State 

Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Simon B. Lalong.

In his address, he said while it is important to progressively engage in discourse, that would consecutively enhance the development of our nation, it must be done constructively, through constitutional means and acceptable conventions that would not heat the polity and by extension create a platform for the dismembering of a nation that by its multi-ethnic and religious existence, is the envy of many countries.

He observed that the combination of hate speech, conducts, commentaries, writing and displays that combine with the engagement of Hate Media Platforms have in global history proven their ability to incite genocide or forment the silent persecution of ethnic groups in geographical locations of weaknesses.  He cited Rwanda 1994 experience which according to him is still fresh with ugly and painful memory.

The Deputy Governor emphasized that any person or group of persons, using any media outlet to bait and explore the innocence and gullibility of a few people must be condemned and sanctioned as criminal, by all people of conscience.

The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication Malam Muhammead Nazif in his welcome address noted the appointment and timeliness of the theme “Hate Speeches, Fake News and National Unity” as one that will address the country’s greatest concerns.

He expressed displeasure that the agency by which hate speeches or fake news get to us is the media.  As such, Information managers should be geared towards positioning the media for true nation – building.

The Acting Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr. Hussaini W. Dayar in his welcome remarks said the meeting is essentially to review the progress made to ensure the total switchover from analogue to digital broadcast system, in line with international best practices.

He said in view of the current worrisome situation in the country in which the media is awash with fake news, disinformation and misinformation that seem to threaten the peaceful co-existence and unity of our great country, enhance the theme of this meeting which is “Hate Speeches, Fake News and National Unity”.

The Acting Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr. Hussaini W. Dayar pointed out that Nigeria is going through challenging times of recession, insurgency, secessionists agitation and religious intolerance mostly fuelled by unguarded utterances and fake news.  These practices has become pervasive in Nigeria demanding an urgent need for Information Managers in both the public and private sectors, and indeed the media; to rise up to the present challenges and douse the tension in the polity.

2.0.In the Keynote address delivered by the Hon. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed expressed displeasure over the hate spewed on radio stations across the country which according to him has become alarming.

2.1.The careless incitement to violence and the level of insensitivity to the multi-religious, multi-ethnic nature of our country must not be allowed to continue because it is detrimental to the unity and well-being of our country.

2.2.To this end, the Council after much deliberation unanimously recommended the followings:

RECOMMENDATION

Social media has no address as such vetting and editing posting in social media may be difficult, stringent measures should be used in checking conventional media and their programmes. 

Information managers at the state level should open a website to counter report of any misinformation posted by the social media as quickly as the Hate Speeches, Misinformation and Fake News are posted.

Setting up a council to regulate the use of social media in Nigeria.

It will be better to kill quickly whatever postings on social media assumed or presumed to be hate speeches or fake news or misinformation by the information managers in various state.

The social media may take over the 2019 elections because Nigeria people have come to rely more and belief the social media over the conventional media.

Federal & State Ministries of Information should use jingles to promote peace and also they should come up with cartoons on the T.V. & Paper telling us the dangers of fake news and hate speeches.

The collaboration must start with NOA and the state governments

There is also need to start talking to those responsible for law and enforcement of justice to address the issues of citizen taking laws into their hands.

Most especially the welfare of the people is paramount, people  well fed will listen to their government.

COMMUNIQUE COMMITTEE

Federal Representatives

Abdulyekin O. Umar – (Chairman)-Federal Ministry of Information

Ittu Tommy Ittu-Federal Ministry of Information

Oluwaleye Ifeoluwapo (Ms.)-Federal Ministry of Information

Mr. James N. Chinyere-Federal Ministry of Information

State Representatives

Donatus Okpe  -Kogi State (North Central)

Lawal Sabo Ibrahim       -Kano State (North West)

Mr. Tajudeen Sokunbi-Ogun State  (South West)

Mr. Ifeanyi Agbai-Abia State  (South-East)

Ibrahim Buba-Adamawa State (North East)

Mr. Paulinus Nsirim-River State (South-South)