The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned politicians that hate speech can lead to acts of violence on a grand scale.
ACF said hate speeches incite, promote or justify hatred, violence and discrimination against an individual or group of people.
“It poses grave danger to the unity and stability of a democratic society, protection of human rights and the rule of law.
A statement entitled ‘Hate speech and violence will be our death’ by Murtala Aliyu, Secretary General of ACF, noted that alhough Nigeria is already facing severe life threatening challenges arising from lack of security and the growing economic crises, it would seem that there are many desperate political leaders and other self -appointed community champions that will not hesitate to add more fuel to the fire.
“Shamefully, most are driven by blind ambition or plain hatred. No one can fail to notice the alarming rise of tension and lawlessness as the election campaigns and contests gather pace.
“There are reports that some politicians are engaging thugs and violent persons to attack their opponents, spreading terror and fear everywhere.