The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has faulted the wrong use of the word “Revolution” in public protest which can be misinterpreted.It therefore called on Conveners and organizers of ‘Revolution Now’ to be careful in the use of such hyperbolic and sensational words.
In a statement today, August 6 in Abuja , the Executive Secretary of the Centre, retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, said that the tension and restiveness which are generated by the deteriorating conflict trends have been aggravated by the prevalent hate speeches and resentful communication in the polity.
“This is a dangerous development which if not well managed and timely too, could spark off national crisis with far reaching consequences.”
He said that while it will not question the right to peaceful protest by individuals or groups, the process must be done in tandem with constitutional provisions.
“Sensational and hyperbolic words such as ‘Revolution Now’ if loosely used, will no doubt be misinterpreted thereby heightening tensions and heating up the polity. There is the need on the part of the government and the governed to always exercise restraint in conflict or crisis situation.
“Therefore, we do not call for revolution in the current democratic setting in Nigeria. We call on all well-meaning individuals, groups, state and non-state actors to see this unwarranted and surreptitious call as a serious threat to our nascent democracy.”
The CCC Boss condemned in its entirety the growing toxic narrative that is purveyed in the country, especially in the social media which tends to demonize the Fulanis, pitching them against others.
He said that the orchestrated effort to criminalize the entire Fulani ethnic group is unacceptable, and therefore rejects the unfortunate narrative that collectively demonizes them as inherently evil and therefore guilty of whatever crime is attributed to them, adding that there are criminals in every ethnic group and all crimes should be dealt with accordingly.
He noted with great concern that a section of the media has succeeded in giving every criminal and potential ones the use of Fulani alibi as a cover, stressing that ethnic profiling is dangerous to the society as the endpoint is ethnic cleansing.
He called on Government not sit aside and watch while toxic media flourish in our airwaves, adding that Nigerians, particularly media practitioners and operators of various social media handles need to be reminded of the dangers of unidirectional stories.
