Time To Check Inciting Statements

Nigeria is one country
that allows its citizenry a reasonable degree of freedom.  One of such freedoms is that of speech, which allows an individual to express himself freely without molestation.
Articles 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1949) states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.
This same right is recognized in international human rights law in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Hence, article 19 of the ICCPR states that “everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference” and “everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression, this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing, or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice”.
This same article 19 additionally states that the exercise of this right of speech or expression as popularly addressed, carries “special duties and responsibilities” and may therefore be subject to certain restrictions when necessary for an acknowledgment, respect of the rights or reputations of others or, for the “protection of National Security or of public order or of public health or morals”.
This accounts for why governments restrict speeches with varying limitations, especially when expressions become obviously libelous, slanderous etc.  Common limitations on speeches also relate to obscenity, pornography, sedition, hate speech, incitement, copyright violation, classified information, public security and many more.
However, whether these limitations can be justified under the harm principle depends upon whether influencing a third party’s opinions or actions adversely to the second party constitutes such harm or not.
It is obvious that statements, opinions and expressions which are considered offensive to the society, specially interest groups or individuals deserve some level of check.  For instance, freedom of speech is limited to many jurisdictions to widely differing degrees by religious legal systems, religious offense or incitement to ethnic or racial hatred laws.
Nigeria, no doubt, is a heterogeneous society its pararell  cultures and belief system, make the task of remaining as a united entity an arduous one, hence cautions are always expected from every actor in this society so as to ensure a level-playing ground for all and sundry.
It is therefore no gainsaying the fact that a little nonchallance or unguided expressions could spell some form of ambiguity that would leave many with different interpretations to the detriment of the unity of the country.
Believe it or not, many Nigerians have linked the emergence of the insurgents in Nigeria to the statement credited to, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) during his presidential campaign 2011 when he allegedly said that “he would make Nigeria ungovernable should the Peoples Democratic Party rig the election.”
Although, to neutral mind, such statements are made to keep the other party in check, knowing fully well that their excesses would not be tolerated.  Yet political analysts cautioned him as they felt that such public expressions are never devoid of incitement.
Regrettably, amidst calls and warnings against inflammatory and inciting speeches, I was shocked at a statement credited to some ex-militants, threatening violence should President Jonathan fail to emerge the winner in the forthcoming presidential election in Nigeria. Although, the Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibril, has dissociated his party and President Jonathan from such threat, I think it should not just be treated with levity and classified as ‘one of those empty threats’.
These are men who have tested and tasted the gun and still trigger-friendly, you must not take them for guaranteed.  This is a security threat. hat if the election turns out free and fair and His Excellency, the president fails to emerge the winner, then Nigerians should consider another home because the country will no longer be comfortable for anyone to live?
Why then wait for a democratic election instead of imposing in advance on Nigerians the proffered choice.
I think the government of the day must rise up to its responsibilities as it concerns the security of Nigerians.  Matters of national concern must override those of individual interest.  There could be no better time to check inflammatory and inxciting statements than now!

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi