Group Warns Against Hate Speech, Backs National Unity

The BRAC Coastal Aborigines, comprising Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, have cautioned Nigerians against promoting divisive rhetoric, warning that bad leadership should not be used to tarnish the country’s image.

The group, in a statement signed by Doris McDaniels, said attempts to stir another civil conflict through religious sentiments and hate speech must be rejected by citizens who value peace and national unity.

It stressed that while governance challenges persist in Nigeria, labelling the country as a “cursed state” could worsen existing tensions and undermine efforts at nation-building.

The group alleged that certain political interests were fuelling hostility against the Hausa/Fulani leadership, warning that such narratives could escalate into broader national conflict if not checked.

“Most importantly, bad leadership should not justify tarnishing the image of our country. Experiencing ineffective governance does not mean we must label our country as a cursed state,” the statement read.

It further claimed that ongoing campaigns to discredit northern political leadership were part of wider power struggles linked to future presidential ambitions.

The group also expressed concerns about alleged separatist ideologies, particularly those linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra, accusing the movement of promoting political domination and reviving secessionist sentiments.

While acknowledging that all ethnic groups share responsibility for Nigeria’s challenges, the BRAC group cautioned against what it described as desperation that could deepen ethnic distrust.

It recalled historical tensions during the civil war era, urging political and community leaders to address rising hostilities before they degenerate into violence.

The group said the BRAC states, despite their geographical closeness to the South-East, had no interest in joining any proposed Biafra Republic, noting that their historical and political experiences differed.

It cited the attempt by Niger Delta activist, Isaac Adaka Boro, to break away from the former Eastern Region in 1966 as evidence of longstanding political differences between the coastal region and Igbo leadership.

According to the group, divisive political strategies would only worsen insecurity, ethnic distrust and disunity across the country.

It also accused separatist broadcasters of promoting hate messages that allegedly endangered Fulani traders and herders travelling across regions, adding that such incidents could trigger reprisals and worsen inter-ethnic relations.

The group, however, urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence regardless of ethnic or religious differences.