NHRC receives 153 complaints on Hate Speeches and Electoral Violence during 2015 general elections..

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has received a total of one hundred and fifty three complaints on hate speech and election related violence during the 2015 general elections and other subsequent elections. The Ag Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Oti Anukpe Ovrawah made this revelation during a courtesy call on the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC). 

 Mrs. Ovrawah said the purpose of the courtesy call was to intimate the party Chieftain about the Commission’s project on investigations of complaints on hate speech and election related violence it had received, and to seek the support of the party leadership in the investigation of these complaints. She stated further that those found culpable would be subjected to a public hearing where alleged violators, complainants and victims would be given fair hearing to state their facts and substantiate their claims. “Those indicted will be recommended to the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice or his counterpart in the state as the case may be for prosecution” she added, pointing out that a register of indicted persons will also be kept at the Commission as a reference point for accountability purposes. 

 In his response, the Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Sen. Lawal Shuaibu who received the NHRC delegation on behalf of the National Chairman, expressed delight at the initiative. He assured the Commission of the willingness of the party leadership to provide all the necessary support that is required to drive the process. Sen Shuaibu who stated unequivocally that the APC suffered a lot of attacks on hate speeches, urged the Commission to ensure that adequate data on hate speech is collated from media houses and other relevant agencies. On his part, the National Legal Adviser of the Party, Dr. Muiz Banire SAN has called on the Commission to be pragmatic about the prosecution of perpetrators of such act so as to serve as deterrent to others ahead of the 2019 general elections. 

 The Commission’s Director of Monitoring, Tony Ojukwu Esq said the project is aimed at checking the use of hate speech and election related violence ahead of the 2019 general election. “Similar visits will be made to other political parties and stake holders to ensure a conducive climate for political campaigns during the forthcoming 2019 general election” he added.

 FATIMAH AGWAI MOHAMMED 

HEAD,MEDIA UNIT NHRC 08035911999