The federal government has budgeted N336m to fight hate speech and fake news. This was contained in the 2021 budget proposal presented to the National Assembly by the President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, October 8.
It was gathered that the money will be used for special enlightenment campaign on government policies and programmes.
Also, the money will be used as testimonial series to gauge the impact of government policies on the citizenry, advocacy against fake news, hate speech, farmers-herder clashes, banditry, rape among other social vices.
Everyevery.ng has earlier reported that a non-governmental organisation, (Expression Now Human Rights Initiative) has dragged the Federal Government before the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
The group in the suit filed by its lawyer, Solomon Okedara referred to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) on fine for hate speech.
Okedara said the fine is unjustifiable adding that penalties like a suspension of broadcast services, suspension of licence among others can have a damaging effect on free speech.
According to the group, the definition of hate speech, as given in the code, is vague, ambiguous and overbroad.
It argued that the 5 million naira fine contradict Nigeria’s obligation under the Revised ECOWAS Treaty. The group stated that the fine also contradicts the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ( read more here).