IGP DECLARES OPEN 2025 NIGERIA POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICERS’ CONFERENCE. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Saturday cautioned Nigerians against reckless statements and online attacks in political discourse, warning that such actions could incite violence. His remarks follow the murder of American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead outside a public event in Arizona on Thursday.
Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of the right-wing organization Turning Point USA, was killed in an incident that has sparked widespread debate in the United States about escalating political extremism and threats against public figures. In a post on his X handle, Keyamo described Kirk’s killing as a “sober lesson” for Nigeria, highlighting the dangers of toxic political exchanges.
“The condemnable murder of Charlie Kirk in America holds a significance for us in Nigeria,” Keyamo stated. “The things we say and post in our intellectual contestations over political issues in our country can unwittingly rile others up to take extreme actions.” He urged Nigerians to avoid threats, bigotry, and hate speech, emphasizing that anyone could become a victim of such hostility.
Keyamo further argued that resorting to insults, threats, or intimidation in political debates reflects weakness rather than strength. “It is extreme cowardice to threaten, abuse, or humiliate others who do not agree with your political views or do not worship your political demi gods,” he said. “A resort to abuse or threats or even personal attacks is a sign that you have lost the intellectual contestation.”
The minister stressed that in a democracy, forcing others to accept a viewpoint through intimidation is unacceptable. He clarified that his message was not directed at any specific political party or group but was a general call for civility across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
Keyamo urged the nation to learn from incidents like Kirk’s murder and to foster a political environment free from heated rhetoric that could lead to tragedy.
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