Let us eschew thre@ts of violence, bigotry in our contestations over political issues because anyone can end up as the victim

Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, has cautioned Nigerians against promoting hate and violence when having conversations about the political climate in Nigeria. 

Keyamo said this on X while reflecting on the ass@ssination of US political activist, Charlie Kirk.

The 32-year-old who was famous for holding strong political views in the US, was shot de@d at a school gathering in Utah on Thursday, September 11.

Reflecting on the ass@ssination, Keyamo on his X handle today September 13, appealed to Nigerians to ensure they eschew thre@ts of violence, bigotry and hate speeches in contestations over political issues concerning Nigeria as anyone can end up as the victim.

His post reads

‘’The condemnable murder of Charlie Kirk in America holds a significance for us in Nigeria:

 

1. The things we say and post in our intellectual contestations over political issues in our country can unwittingly rile others up to take extreme actions. Let us therefore eschew threats of violence, bigotry and hate speeches in these exchanges because anyone can end up as the victim.

 

2. It is extreme cowardice to threaten, abuse or humiliate others who do not agree with your political views or do not worship your political demi gods. A resort to abuse or threats or even personal attacks is a sign that you have lost the intellectual contestation. You cannot force others in a free democracy to accept your point of view through threats of violence or intimidation.

 

3. This is not just a subtle message to one side of the political divide alone. It is a direct message to all of us in Government, in the ruling party, in opposition parties, in civil society and generally everyone in the political space.”