The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, has warned that hate speech is a direct violation of human rights and a threat to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and development.
Speaking on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Chief Ojukwu stated that hate speech strips people of their dignity and violates the right to equality and non-discrimination, contrary to Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He said that while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to speech that incites hatred, hostility, and violence against others.
The Executive Secretary noted that under Sections 24 and 26 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act 2015, the deliberate spread of offensive and inflammatory messages online is already recognized as an offence.
He stressed that the law must be matched with responsible conduct by political actors, traditional and religious leaders, the media, and citizens.
Chief Ojukwu cautioned that if left unchecked, hate speech fuels division and lays the foundation for conflict. He explained that when communities are set against each other, public trust erodes, businesses shut down, schools close, and investment flees.
“Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces families, and reverses years of developmental gains. No nation can build on the ruins of hatred,” he said.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, he warned that hate speech poses a serious risk to the credibility of the process and to citizens’ rights to vote and be voted for. He said inflammatory rhetoric could intimidate voters, suppress participation, and deepen ethnic and religious fault lines.
“Hate speech is not harmless talk. It is a trigger for conflict, a brake on national development, and a betrayal of our shared humanity. Let us not allow this monster to spread ahead of the 2027 general elections. If we do, we will pay for it with lives, livelihoods, and the future of our democracy,” he warned.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria called on all Nigerians to reject hate speech, verify information before sharing, and report incitement to violence and discrimination to the appropriate authorities.
He pledged the Commission’s commitment to continue monitoring, documenting, and responding to hate speech incidents across the country.
