Hate Speech, Corporate Existence and National Integration in Nigeria: The Hurdles and the Way-Forward

Abstract

Hate speech is the expression of conflicts between different groups within and across societies. Hate speech is not new to Nigeria. The country is perhaps the only nation that has survived a civil war but had its corporate existence publicly attacked with such vehemence by its own politicians, journalists, and academics. Politicians started questioning Nigerian nationhood even before the ink with which Nigeria’s independence was signed in 1960 was dry; earlier, critics had called the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates of Nigeria the mistake of 1914. The emergence of information and communication technology (ICT) has soured the scourge of hate speech to the next level since the returned of democracy in the last two decades. Hate speech has become a cankerworm that threatens the very corporate existence and national integration in Nigeria. This paper x-rayed the scourge of hate speech as it hinders effective national integration and unity among diverge inhabitants of the geographical area called Nigeria. Some policy recommendations were put forth.