The Nigerian government has restated its stance to punish purveyors of fake news and hate speech.
The government has been criticised by many Nigerians who accuse it of planning to use hate speech and fake news as a means to clamp down on critical views.
Many Nigerian activists, journalists and social media commentators are already being tried or detained for their statements and actions deemed too critical of either state governments or the federal government.
Such persons have been accused of plotting to overthrow the government, inciting violence, among other allegations.
Some of those being detained for such actions include Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of news website Sahara Reporters, and Agba Jalingo, a Cross River-based journalist.
The government, however, says it is determined to further clamp down on fake news and hate speech.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who said this, also 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.
Mr Mohammed 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.