Interfaith centre cautions religious leaders against hate speech

The Interfaith Mediation Centre, Kaduna has cautioned politicians, traditional and religious leaders against hate and dangerous speeches, which it said, have become prevalent in both conventional and social media.

The centre, in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day capacity building workshop in Abuja, urged traditional and religious leaders to admonish and emphasize on peaceful coexistence among their communities.

The centre noted that terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization are not exclusively associated with any one religion or ethnic group.

It said the proliferation of small arms and light weapons has enhanced the act of terrorism and violent communal conflicts.

“The incessant clashes among Pastoralists and Farmers are threatening the unity of the nation, while slow and/or lack of punitive measures against the perpetrators has left the proliferation of violence unabated,” it noted. The centre, therefore, appealed to the national assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Hate Speech Bill.

“The criminal justice System should be strengthened to deal with issues of terrorism, violent extremism, hate speeches and other criminal offences,” the communique added.