Hate Speech: Confronting National Malaise For Unity, Security and National Devt

BY REV JOSEPH JOHN HAYAB

Introduction
One of the greatest challenges unsettling our national development at present is that of prejudice and stereo-typing one another. Since we have come to see one another with a subjective mind, we speak evil about one another without minding the grave implications such actions give birth to.

In fact, hate speech has become the collective norm in the way we view one another and address issues of national concern. Sadly, most of us, if not all, are guilty of this evil. Those in authority, particularly, are the first culprits, followed by some religious leaders whereas other citizens consider it as normal and have joined the bandwagon.

Although various groups have demonstrated deep concern about hate speeches, but nothing practical is being done to address it. Therefore, I can affirm that one of the greatest factors hindering tolerance, unity, security and national development is how bad we speak about our leaders, how leaders speak about their subjects, how one religion speaking against another religion and the diverse ethnic groups speak against the other.

Given the above situation, this brief remarks purposes to go beyond the usual rhetoric concerning hate speech, but aims to draw the immediate attention of those present here and the general public on why we must tame hate speech as it is destroying our collective efforts towards nation building.

What actually is Hate Speech?
Hate speech is basically any statement made orally or in writing with the purpose of hurting or injuring the feelings of the other person. Hate speech has as its principal goal to stimulate emotions, feelings, or attitudes of hate or hatred at another person or group of persons different in origin, religion or geography from that of the speaker/writer.

Besides, hate speech negatively stereotypes or incites hatred, discrimination or violence against people as a result of their ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, disability or identity. The consequence is that such speech could lead to harm, indignity, insecurity, unhealthy cultural dialogue, weakening democracy, and the fundamental rights of the targeted person or group of persons.

These days, the Nigerian mass media, powered by an immense access to the internet, than ever before, is flooded with columns which, countless in their tones and intents, are hate speeches. Regrettably, ethical reportage of events seems to have been abandoned, leaving the social media space with stories that are not only unfounded and ridiculous but tales that fan the coals of hatred, bitterness, social and cultural differences.

What is it to be done?
How can those in authority tame hate speech when they too are guilty of making degrading remarks that could be considered as ‘hate speech’? Can we turn to our religious leaders for help? Most of them, too, are guilty of promoting hate speech, as some of us in our preaching tell our congregations how bad their neighbours are. When we run to the general public, they, too, have been mentored by their political and religious leaders to say bad words about others.

As a Christian, the Bible teaches that we should use good and kind words when talking to people even if they are not of our faith. Colossians 4:6 says “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Further, Jesus Christ warns that everyone will give an account of every careless word ever uttered here on earth in Matthew 12:36-37. ”But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned.”

When our leaders love and fear God, they will learn to speak truthfully and not incite people against one another.When our clerics start preaching the true message of God from the Holy Bible and the Qur’an, they will end preaching hate messages because the message God gave us is his message of love and tolerance which should lead to peace and national development.

The state must not forget that she has the responsibility on behalf of the general public and she is obligated to her citizens to address any act that can lead to chaos and disintegration. The type of speeches Nigerians expect from their leaders is speech that will enlighten, inform, educate, and bind citizens together as one people. Hence, I am of the opinion that the spread of hate speech in Nigeria, if not curbed immediately, the nation could be thrown into further chaos.

The preceding dilemma leads me to the point that except the mass media and individuals are educated to transform their approach to reporting and commenting on issues which have grave consequences to national development, the objective of promoting tolerance, unity and security could be in jeopardy.

For instance, media houses, print or electronic, who report on issues which insult, degrade, defame, negatively stereotyping or inciting hatred, discrimination or violence against people should pay heavy penalties to serve a deterrent to others who engage in circulating hate speech. Similarly, government officials, clerics and individuals, however highly placed, must guard what they say with respect to national concerns, instead of fanning the embers of division, an aspect that has further divided the nation rather than unite them.
Conclusion
I wish to appeal to all Nigerians to join hands and stop the spread of hate speeches going on in our society. Do not send or forward to anyone any message that is insulting or degrading to anyone or any group of people. Do NOT speak evil of people of another identity to the hearing of your children. When we STOP the circulation of messages aimed at inciting one against another or any message that makes us see others in a bad light we would soon win the war against hate speech.

Let us recognise that hate speech provokes unhealthy relationships in society. On the whole, I like to re-emphasise that a communication becomes hate speech if it expresses the emotions, feelings, or attitudes of hate or hatred of the speaker for any members of groups or classes of persons other the one he/she belongs to. The suggestion is that any form of speech that states, advocates, or hints at in any way the speaker’s sentiments, feelings, or views of hate or hatred toward the subject of the speech is unwelcome and must be discouraged by any society whose goal is to achieve tolerance, unity, and security. Without doubt, hate speech leads to a breach of trust and heralds chaos.
Thank you for listening.

Rev Hayab, who is the Public Relations Officer of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern States and Abuja, delivered this speech at the Blueprint Impact Series/Awards on July 17, 2018 in Abuja