President Muhammadu Buhari revealed he is bothered with the increasing rate of abuse in the technology which has resulted in hate speech and increased cybercrime, saying it has lead to abuse in social media. Buhari made these remarks while addressing Nigerians via broadcast to mark the 59th independence anniversary in Abuja on Tuesday.
He urged citizenry to always have respect for one another and to the constituted authority through tolerance even when it comes to airing their views, it shouldn’t infringe on the next person right.
Accordingly, he added while we uphold the constitutional right of our people to freedom of expression and association, taking into cognisance the right of the right of the next person while ensuring it does not result into undermining the national security. Anything beyond that will be seen as a threat to our collective effort and shall be dealt with.
“In this regard, I reiterate my call for all to exercise restraint, tolerance and mutual respect in airing their grievances and frustrations, Buhari posited.
Though we may have our difference in political and religious issues, however, we shouldn’t forget our past and the lesson we have leaned on occasion like this.
While acknowledging that most Nigerians prefer to tore the path of peace, Buhari reiterated that hate speech and mistrust only lead to destruction and hostility.
Speaking on security, Buhari said that good governance and economic development cannot be sustained without a peaceful atmosphere that will guarantee the enabling environment.
In the last four years, we have combated the terrorist scourge of Boko Haram.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our gallant men and women in arms, through whose efforts we have been able to achieve the present results.
