Purveyors of fake news, hate speech in trouble, says Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed 

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says the federal government is determined to further clamp down on purveyors of fake news and hate speech.

He said no amount of attacks, sponsored or otherwise, will stop the implementation of approved recommendations on reform of broadcasting code.



The minister stated this on Sunday at a meeting with online publishers in Lagos.

He was more particular about fake news in the broadcast media and sought the support of the online publishers.




“Let me be straight: No amount of attacks, sponsored or otherwise, will stop the implementation of the approved recommendations,” he was quoted as saying by the News Agency of Nigeria.

“Only non-patriots and anarchists will kick against measures aimed at putting an end to fake news and hate speech, especially in our broadcast industry.


“Only those who are guilty should be afraid of the efforts to sanitize the broadcast industry. Responsible broadcasters have nothing to fear.”

Mr Mohammed added that the government’s action “is not a move to stifle free speech or gag anyone.”



“But purveyors of fake news and hate speech should not expect to sleep easy,” he said.