Hate Speech, Freedom of Expression and State Security Laws in Nigeria

Abstract

Hate speech has generated much controversies in recent times in Nigeria to the extent that some had harped on the need or otherwise for a special law against it. The phenomenon has polarized the elites, particularly the political class, who obviously are the most responsible for hate speech. As a result, it was suggested that government should declare hate speeches as terror acts in view of troubling activities and misinformation capable of jeopardizing the unity of the country.Stakeholders, particularly security agencies have come out to urge the government to take steps to curb it considering the damage to the national life that it could cause should government fail to tackle it on time. Top government officials warned of the possibility of introducing fresh proactive steps to whip certain elements in line over utterances believed to constitute hate speeches