Jonathan: Fake news, hate speech now biggest threats to democracy in Nigeria

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says fake news, hate speech and propaganda are now the biggest threats to democracy in Nigeria.

He said this on Tuesday at the second edition of the ‘peace conference’ organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation with the theme: ‘Nation Building: The Role of Elections in a Multi-ethnic Context’.

Speaking at the event, the former president said he is very pleased to see that young people are interested in the nation and election matters.

He, however, said hate speech must be discouraged.

“Before this time, we were always afraid of the gun as a threat to democracy. But the biggest threat to democracy now is the issue of propaganda, fake news and hate speech,” he said.

“Anybody that’s an advocate of this is a threat to democracy. Our young people should know that we should embrace good conduct that will lead to good elections.”

Speaking further, Jonathan said anybody interested in leadership has the responsibility of protecting the nation.

“We must first have a country before we talk about having a president. If we destroy a country, then we do not need a president,” he said.

“Supporters of those who want to be leaders should first know that we need to have a nation before whoever they’re supporting can emerge as a governor or president.”

He added that the motivating factor that makes one go into politics is important and people should not go into it for money.

“I always say that if your reason for going into politics is to make money, go and be a businessman so that nobody will come and harass you,” the former president said.

“If you want to go into politics, it should be the people first, not you first. If you’re somebody who believes in yourself first, then you have no business in politics.”