Sani: Freedom of Speech Not License for Fake News

John Shiklam in Kaduna 

Kaduna State Governor,  Senator Uba Sani, has warned that his administration would not tolerate conducts that couldbreach  peace and security in a diverse and delicate state like Kaduna. 

The governor sounded the warning while hosting heads of security agencies for “Iftar”, the Muslim breaking of Ramadan fast.

He said  his administration “can tolerate criticisms from the opposition but will not condone situations where the opposition spread falsehood in order to foment crisis.”

Sani pointed out that, “Freedom of speech is not a license to spread fake news that will lead to loss of lives and property.

“Some people just sit down in the comfort of the their homes and start spreading rumour through the social media. 

“People should not hide under freedom of speech to cause trouble. We will not accept that in Kaduna State.

“We will deal with conflict merchants,  who want to disrupt the present peace in Kaduna State in the name of politics, within the ambit of the law.”

Sani said, Kaduna was home to all ethnic and religious groups because the people were hospitable and accommodating  and thatb government would strive to preserve this harmony.

He told the heads of security agencies in the state  that  political campaigns would  begin soon and urged them to be vigilant as politicians who lost out in the contests might try to play the victim, by dishing out  all sorts of falsehoods to cause confusion. 

Sani also called for synergy between security agencies, Local Government Chairmen, traditional and religious leaders at  the grassroots,  in order to deepen intelligence gathering.

He commended their focus, commitment and cooperation with his administration, reiterating  that the state has not recorded any ethno-religious crisis since he assumed office.

The governor noted that although Kaduna was relatively peaceful,  his doors were always opened on how to further improve the security challenges by bandits and kidnappers.