BEVERLY HILLS, June 09, (THEWILL) – Amid rising cases of incendiary statements and hate speeches, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has called on the traditional institution to support government in promoting peace and unity across the country, warning that “most people have forgotten how hate speeches helped to trigger genocide in Rwanda in 1994, killing about 800,000 people”.
He stated this on Friday while receiving the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, who paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, adding that the phenomenon of fake news, disinformation and misinformation must also be checked to guard against any attempt to undermine the unity of the country.
The minister pointed out that traditional rulers are need now more than ever to play an enormous role in keeping the country safe and making the people united.
According to him, “Hate speeches are being spewed out daily, with reckless abandon. Most people have forgotten how hate speeches helped to trigger genocide in Rwanda in 1994, killing about 800,000 people.
“When the hate speech phenomenon is added to the growing problem of fake news, disinformation and misinformation, we have a most incendiary mix that could undermine the unity, peace and security of any country.
“This is why I want to use the opportunity of this visit of His Royal Highness, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, to appeal to our traditional institutions across the country to intervene urgently to douse the tension enveloping the land.”
Mohammed also appealed to the media to always exercise a great deal of restraint in their reportage, so as not to aggravate the tension caused by the divisive tendencies, including hate speech.
“As I have always said, it is because we have a peaceful country that professionals, including journalists, can carry out their daily chores. It is therefore imperative for us all to be part of government’s efforts to make our country secure and peaceful and keep our people united,” he said.
The minister described Oba Olateru-Olagbegi III as an epitome of humility and simplicity, and promised to do everything within his power to realise the project to turn the Olowo’s Palace into a national monument, in appreciation of the historic contributions of the Olowo to the country’s development.
In his remarks, the royal father said he is visiting the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, for the first time under this administration, with a view to familiarizing himself with the leadership of the country, particularly the Minister of Information and Culture, who is in charge of the nation’s cultural heritage.
