Ogun State office of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has opened Hate Speech Register for politicians and their supporters to track speeches that could lead to breakout of violence, discrimination and other Human Rights violations and abuses.
The Ogun state coordinator of the Commission, Mr. Shodeinde Oluwaponmile made this known in Abeokuta at the closing ceremony of this year’s commemoration of International Human Right Day and the conclusion of sixteen days of activism to end violence against women and girls.
Mr. Sodeinde disclosed that the Commission would no longer tolerate Hate Speeches by political actors explaining that their actions or inactions are capable of causing problems for the country in the ongoing electoral process if not checked.
The state coordinator of Human Rights Commission Office called on the politicians to understand that one person’s Right ends, where the Right of another person begins stating that the society’s Rights are bigger than their individual Rights.
He stressed that the Commission will continue to assist election umpire, INEC to sanitize the electoral space to enable it conduct a free, fair and credible election.
Mr. Sodeinde cautioned politicians against utterances that could ignite violence before, during and after the election reminding them that panel of inquiry may be set up with those found wanting being prosecuted.
The Ogun state coordinator of NHRC office encouraged qualified voters to collect their permanent voters cards and be prepared to vote for their choice candidates during the election and as well advised Political parties to engage themselves on issue based campaigns.
The Ogun state National Human Right Commission office sixteen days of activism to end violence against women and girls was on advocacy visits to the Office of the Wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs. Bamdele Abiodun, the Ogun State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo among others.
The advocacy activities also include the visitations to Secondary schools and awareness rallies among others.
Wale Oluokun
