The Joint Body of Southeast Traditional Rulers and Religious Leaders, a coalition comprising the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and prominent Igbo archbishops and bishops, has issued a grave warning regarding the increasing prevalence of hate speech and ethnic profiling targeting the Ndigbo community in Nigeria. In a press statement released on August 12, 2024, the group expressed deep concern about the potential for these actions to destabilize the country.
Citing historical examples such as the Rwandan genocide and Nigeria’s own civil war, the leaders underscored the catastrophic consequences of unchecked hostility. They stressed the urgent need to learn from these dark chapters in history to prevent a recurrence.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his recent address on August 4, 2024, where he condemned ethnic bigotry and warned against threats to any section of the country, the Joint Body urged more decisive and immediate action. They emphasized that while the president’s statements were timely, concrete steps must be taken without delay to address the issue before it escalates further.
The statement included several key recommendations:
1. **Legal and Legislative Action:** The Joint Body called for the immediate sanction and prosecution of individuals using hate speech and ethnic profiling. They also urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of comprehensive legislation criminalizing these actions with stringent penalties for offenders.
2. **Education and Awareness:** A nationwide campaign was recommended to educate citizens on the dangers of hate speech and the importance of ethnic harmony. The leaders suggested using public service announcements, workshops, and community outreach to spread the message.
3. **Community Engagement:** The Joint Body urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community leaders across Nigeria to initiate dialogue sessions to foster understanding and cooperation among different ethnic groups.
4. **Media Responsibility and Accountability:** Media houses were encouraged to adopt a code of conduct discouraging divisive content and promoting unity. The statement highlighted the media’s critical role as members of the fourth estate in building bridges between communities.
5. **Security and Law Enforcement:** The group called on law enforcement agencies to be vigilant and proactive in addressing incidents of hate speech and ethnic profiling, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
The Joint Body concluded by urging all Nigerians to reflect on the horrors of the past and work together to build a future based on mutual respect, understanding, and unity. They emphasized that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that embracing this diversity is essential for achieving lasting peace and progress.
The statement was signed by prominent leaders, including H.M. Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, and Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo R. Opoko, Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, among others.
