President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented the use of social media to propagate hate among tribal, religious and political groups.
He stated this, yesterday, during his audience with Leadership Of Trust Alliance Foundation 4 Change at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The president described those who post spiteful messages that incite violence as unpatriotic people.
Now more than ever, Buhari noted that Nigeria needs forums like the Leadership Of Trust Foundation to promote peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding among the country’s many religious, tribal and political groups.
According to him, in the past decade the world has seen some fundamental structural changes noting that a good example is the digital and cyber revolution that is still reshaping the world, as we all know.
He said, “In many instances, this development positively impacts billions across the globe. However, on the contrary, the same platforms are used as tools to propagate divisions and hatred.
“Nigeria is not isolated from these influences. We are seeing rising instances where social media platforms are being used to propagate hatred among religious, political and tribal groups.”
These spiteful messages that incite violence are posted by a handful of unpatriotic people, anonymously. Sponsors of these platforms must take adequate measures to deny purveyors of hatred and division space.
“It is only through continuous dialogue and engagement that these menaces can be stopped.
“The approach you are taking on community and youth development is in my view, the right one. The fact that you are crossing religious, political and ethnic boundaries in your engagement is praiseworthy.
He further explained, “Now, we are in the season of political campaigning. Unfortunately, some people will attempt to take this opportunity to propagate their hateful agenda. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to also step up by preaching tolerance and understanding.
