Assessment of the Causes and Implication of Hate Speech on National Security in Nigeria

Abstract

The research study focuses on the implication of hate speech on National Security in Nigeria. The study believed that hate speech has taken an extensive dimension due to poor regulations and its damaging effects and implications on national security are unquantifiable. Political elites most  times indulge in hate speech especially during electioneering campaign so long as it enables them to capture and retain political power. The objectives of the study is to examine the causes and implication of hate speech on national security and to proffer policy recommendations on how to curb the menace. To aid the research, the study adopts secondary sources of data collection. The findings of the study revealed that the consequences of hate speech can be enormous, ranging from national chaos, mishaps and mayhems. It also affirmed that most of the security problems confronting the country have their roots to hate speech. To curb the menace, the study recommends proactive sensitization campaign by critical stakeholders, legislation, sanction of erring media practitioners and empowerment of internet service providers to bring down Blogs and websites that promote and encourages hate speech.