Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, says politicians who converse sick of Nigeria to settle political variations ought to by no means be allowed to guide the nation.
Fagbemi spoke on Wednesday on the Abuja social media summit.
The minister, represented by Kamarudeen Ogundele, his spokesperson, famous that Nigerians ought to use social media to contribute to nationwide growth and to not “de-market our nation on the worldwide stage”.
“No particular person ought to use his freedom of speech on social media to infringe upon the rights of one other, as it’s quick turning into the order of the day,” he mentioned.
“We should additionally watch out of what we are saying about our nation. Political variations mustn’t make us de-market our nation on the worldwide stage.
“Solely unpatriotic residents or leaders will select to take action. Those that converse sick of their nation to settle political variations ought to by no means have the chance to guide the identical nation at any stage.”
The AGF counseled the theme of the occasion—’Harnessing the facility of social media for nationwide growth’—noting that it was “apt and well timed as a result of it’s a facet of modernised communication that may make or mar a rustic.”
He mentioned social media platforms are buzzing in Nigeria as a result of the federal government has assured the liberty of speech.
“They’ve additionally turn into veritable instruments that our teeming youths are utilizing to showcase their skills and likewise to earn cash,” Fagbemi mentioned.
“However we should realise the necessity for us to always exhibit accountable citizenship whereas this authorities has continued to offer accountable management via many social security nets it has supplied over time.”
Fagbemi emphasised that nationwide growth will be achieved by leveraging social media in a number of key areas, together with e-commerce, digital funds, job creation, and entrepreneurship.
He additionally highlighted the function of social media in selling tourism, transparency, and civic engagement, citing international examples reminiscent of India’s digital programme, South Korea’s e-government initiative, and Kenya’s M-Pesa cellular cost system.
The minister mentioned the federal authorities, via the Nationwide Orientation Company (NOA), is devoted to fostering nationwide unity and growth by enlightening and interesting residents with correct and well timed data.
He additionally warned in regards to the inherent challenges of widespread social media use, together with misinformation, cybersecurity threats, and the digital divide.
He confused the necessity for collaboration amongst governments, civil society, and the personal sector to create an atmosphere that’s conducive to social media-driven growth.
