Faleke: I’m not in support of death penalty for hate speech

James Faleke, a member of the house of representatives, says he is not in support of the bill which prescribes death penalty for hate speech.

The proposed legislation has sparked outrage and condemnation over some of its provisions.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Faleke said although there is need to curb hate speech, the death penalty is taking it to the extreme.

The lawmaker, who represents Ikoyi federal constituency of Lagos state, however, threw his weight behind the death penalty for terrorism and kidnapping.

“It is the area of punishment that we should be concerned about, for me; I think we need to have a law on hate speech because it can cause war, crisis and disharmony in the country,” he said.

“Your right to free speech must be within the ambit of the law to bring harmony and good relationship among the people.

“But I will not support a death penalty for hate speech; for kidnapping and terrorism, I support death sentence as passed by some state assemblies.”

The senate has given a condition for quashing the bill.

Godiya Akwashiki, vice-chairman of senate committee on media, had said the senate will not pass the bill if it realises that it could bring about hardship for Nigerians.