The United Nations (UN) says the rise in fake news as well as religious and ethnic hate speeches in Nigeria ahead of the forthcoming election is worrisome.
This concern was expressed by the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Amina Muhammed, on Monday, in her keynote address at the open plenary sessions of the State of the Nation Dialogue organised by the Nigerian Bar Association.
Speaking via a live broadcast on the 2023 elections in Nigeria, Muhammed said the UN “continues to witness attacks on electoral institutions, fake news, hate speeches based on religious and ethnic identities since the political campaigns began.”
She maintained that the UN’s common objective is to ensure credible, free and fair elections in Nigeria.
Mrs Muhammed commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for achieving great strides in increasing the credibility and transparency of the Nigerian electoral process.
“The increase in the registration of voters is encouraging and shows Nigerians are enthusiastic about the electoral process,” she said.
Muhammed appreciated the NBA for organising the dialogue, saying the “importance of this forum cannot be underestimated.”
The UN official advised that Nigerian political leaders must be ready to develop the country and encourage an inclusive, fair and just society.
