Politics
REC Blames Politicians, Unemployment For Fake News, Hate Speech
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Kogi State, Prof. James Apam, last Wednesday, attributed the preponderance of fake news and hate speech in the country on the political class and high rate of unemployment.
Apam, who stated this in Lokoja, during a meeting on “securing the votes from fake news and violence,” explained that the political class had formed the habit of churning out fake news in an attempt to outwit one another.
According to him, politicians have been exploiting the unemployment situation in the country to engage jobless youths to write and push out fake news and hate speech through the social media.
The REC expressed worries over the increasing rate of fake news in circulation in the country, saying that it had been eroding the credibility of elections conducted in recent times.
He urged Nigerians to stop taking election results announced on social media for real, saying that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was the only body constitutionally recognised to conduct and announce election results.
The REC also expressed displeasure over the inability of political parties and their candidates to come up clear-cut manifestoes to guide voters on how to make their choice.
The event was organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), in partnership with the state police command and with the support of USAID through the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
Also speaking at the event, the state Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Mr Kabiru Gwarzo, said that circulation of fake news and hate speech before and during elections could trigger violence.
Gwarzo advised politicians and those behind the circulation of fake news and hate speech to desist from such acts so as to protect democracy.
The Project Director, NDI, Mr Raymond Esebagbon, said that the meeting was organised to promote peaceful electoral process.
He reminded the parties contesting the forthcoming governorship election of the need to conduct violence-free, issue-based campaigns.
The Director stated that the gains of the present democracy were gradually being eroded by fake news and hate speech from politicians and their supporters.
He said that the NDI would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to tackle the problems as part of efforts to ensure credible and participatory electoral process in the country.
Leaders of registered political parties and some candidates for the November 16 governorship election in the state were present at the meeting.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.