Hate Speech in Nigeria: Opportunity in Crisis

Abstract

This paper reflects on ways hate speech grounded in ethnic and religious narratives precipitate loss of confidence in the Nigerian state. It attempts to characterise how inter cultural dialogue and patriotic fealty could be leveraged to redefine pre-existing relationships and pioneer monumental changes. Methods employed involve desk reviews of the incendiary comments within Biafran separatist and Arewa Youth Coalition quit notice on the Ndigbo rhetoric and their analyses from theoretical prisms of intercultural communications and nationalism. Findings suggest that national coexistence could be progressed through dialogue and accommodation with partisan matters being resolved within the latitudes of constitutionality and governance institutions. They also alluded to the symbolic importance of nationalist consciousness by emphasising need for civic loyalties and political allegiances to the country rather than cultural identity. Consequently, Nigerians are recommended to respect their diversity, embrace compromise and engage in cross cultural dialogue to rebuild the country.