Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,
has appealed to traditional rulers to support the government in promoting peace
and unity across the country.
This is coming amid rising cases of incendiary statements
and hate speeches, which he warned were capable of tearing the nation apart.
The Minister, who made the remarks in Abuja on Friday when
he received the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, on a courtesy
visit to his office, said the phenomenon of fake news, disinformation and
misinformation must also be checked to guard against any attempt to undermine
the unity of the country.
“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,” he said.
Mohammed said the traditional rulers have a huge role to
play in keeping the country safe and keeping the people united, adding: ”They have
always played this role, but we need them now more than ever.”
He also appealed to the media to always exercise a great
deal of restraint in their reporting, 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
added.
He described Oba Olateru-Olagbegi III as an epitome of
humility and simplicity, and promised to do everything within his power to
bring to fruition 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, Oba Olateru-Olagbegi III said he was
visiting the Federal Capital Territory for the first time under this
administration, with a view to familiarizing himself with the leadership of the
country, especially the Minister of Information and Culture, who is in charge
of the nation’s cultural heritage.
By Wale Odunsi
