Nigeria's infamous "Hate Speech Bill" which will see convicts handed-down "death by hanging" punishment, has for no strange reasons, drew public ire.
The controversial bill which was sponsored by the Senate's deputy chief whip, Aliyu Abdullahi of Niger North Senatorial District, prescribes death penalty for anyone found guilty of spreading any form of falsehood that leads to the death of another person.
The bill also seeks the establishment of a National Commission for the Prohibition of Hate Specch to help investigate and prosecute offenders.
Whilst the bill is believed to be a positive move geared toward fostering the unity of the country especially at a time where the country is greatly divided between ethnic, religious, political and regional lines, there lies the suspicion that the Buhari administration is subtly trying to completely eliminate freedom of speech, and tightening its grip on power.
The Buhari administration already has numerous human rights violation allegations hanging round its neck. It's disobedience to court orders, unlawful arrest and detention of journalists and critics of its government, attacks on peaceful protesters, and disregard for the rule of law, are described as clear attributes of a "dictatorial government".
There's the strong negative perception that passage of the so called "Hate Speech Bill" would spell doom for a country whose democracy is believed to have been hijacked by some cabals in the presidency.
But who and what's to blame for the surge in hate speech in the country? Nigeria is currently ranked as one of the worst places in the world to live in. One only need to step in, to understand why the country is doing so badly economically, why it is ranked as the sixth most miserable country in the world, and why it is referred to as the world's headquarters for extreme poverty.
It takes extreme patience, tolerance and perseverance to live in Nigeria and not get provoked enough to speak ill of government and its supporters. The harsh conditions Nigerians are subjected to in the country, is so bad that tolerance and patience is seen as a major reason government continues to fail them. Perhaps, they thought, saying enough is enough is the only way to end what they consider as "slavery in one's own country". Should they now be punished for saying enough is enough?
But there could be a way around this "Hate Speech Bill". There is the popular saying that 'prevention is better than cure", and that 'what is good for the Goose, is also good for the Gander'.
Therefore, since the so called bill is so important to the Buhari administration, why not balance the equation by including punishment for leadership failures in the country? Like promising to fix power within 3 months, end insecurity within 6 months, equate naira to the dollar, end fuel subsidy yet sell at N45 a litre and many other failed promises?
Of course, laws are made for the poor isn't it? The insensitivity of Nigeria's woeful leaders is beyond ordinary. How could they not realize that all the poor masses are asking for, is a better life? Wasn't it the same government which asked Nigerians to stone it should it fail to deliver on its promises?
Well, this is Nigeria where the poor is seen as a 'vote' and not a 'human' who deserves a better means of livelihood.
