HATE SPEECH: GOV. ALIA READS RIOT ACT TO POLITICIANS, JOURNALISTS
23rd July, 2023
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has warned politicians and journalists alike that they would be held accountable for every hate speech and inciting statement they make agasnst his administration.
The Governor who spoke at the stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state held at the Government house, Makurdi last weekend reminded journalism that where their rights end, the right of others begin.
According to the Governor, “Hate speech is against the law of the Federal Government; if you are found wanting the law shall be applied to you. The fact that the water is still does not mean that there are no crocodiles in that water.
“Those who are fond of hate speeches and inciting statements are not permitted, irrespective of your political or social affiliation.
“It’s not my fault, nor your fault for APC to be in government today. The people wanted us in and we are in. So anyone out there inciting the masses; anyone out there making inflammatory speeches in the mainstream media or the social media must be held responsible.
“For you gentlemen of the press, I want to thank you for what you have continued to do for us. But remember, where your right starts and ends, someone else’s right begins; your conscience, politeness and investigative journalism will make a better place for all of us.”
The Governor who noted that politicians fed fat on crisis situations in the state, stressed that his government had no room for such politicians.
He also pointed out that he contested the election because he knew things were bad, but was quick to add that he had the capacity to do the job.
According to him, “I knew things were bad and I applied for the job to fix things and I am going to fix them. We are going to redeem the civil service” among other sad realities that are on ground, he vowed.
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