By Mumini AbdulKareem
As the 2019 election draws nearer, a call has gone to authorities to sanction political parties that engage in hate speech comments.
A lecturer at the University of Ilorin, Dr Abdulwahab Danladi Shittu in the Department of Religions made the called in Ilorin during the Annual Lecture of The Muslim Congress (TMC) held at Nimatoni event centre, Unity road Ilorin.
Speaking on the topic, “Political Hate Speech and its Implication: The Islamic Perspective”, Shittu called on government to be proactive with a law criminalizing hate speech and punishment for fake news, adding that any broadcasting station that violates the code of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should face the full wrath of the law.
The don, who described hate speech as a cankerworm threatening the unity and oneness of the country, called on government and non-governmental organisations to press for the application of sanctions on any political party fond of uttering hate speech in its campaign.
In his lecture, Prof Tajudeen Yusuf of the University of Lagos, said electorate should vote according to the track records and outstanding qualities of the candidates.
He said Muslims must not sit on the fence but participates actively in politics and ensure that religious tenets reflected in their dealings.
While urging Nigerians to shun hate speech and other destructive tendencies, Yusuf advised Nigerians to support re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari for him to realise his campaign promises.
In his message to the event, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari applauded TMC for the various programmes especially as it relates to comprehensive Islamic education, dawah and welfare of the less-privileged among others.
The Emir who was represented by former Grand Kadi of the state, Justice Soliu Olohuntoyin Muhammad advised TMC not to rest on its oars but continue to promote Islam.
The National Wali of TMC, Dr Lukman Abdulraheem who was represented at the event by Mallam Abdulrahman Animashaun called on Nigerians to eschew violence and criminality capable of jeopardizing electoral process as the 2019 general elections draw nearer.
In his welcome address, the state Wali of TMC, Engr Ariyo Basheer noted that the Annual Lecture has been a platform where pronouncements are made based on views, ideas and positions that would help to move the nation in the right direction.
