Summary:
- The Lagos State election advert on Nairaland has reignited concerns about tribalism and religious bigotry in Nigeria.
- With elections approaching, political actors must focus on issue-based campaigns, while online platforms like Nairaland need to implement stronger moderation policies to promote responsible discourse.
- By fostering understanding and cooperation, Nigeria can work towards overcoming these challenges and building a brighter future for all its citizens.
Tribalism and religious bigotry have been longstanding issues in Nigeria, creating deep divides among its people. Nairaland, a popular online platform in Nigeria, has been no exception.
With millions of readers daily, the platform has unfortunately become a breeding ground for divisive rhetoric.
A recent political advert run by the Lagos State Government has sparked outrage, with many accusing it of promoting bigotry.
This article delves into the issue and calls for a more responsible approach to political advertising and online discussions.
Nairaland: A Hotbed of Tribalism and Religious Bigotry
An analysis conducted by mandynews.com between June 2022 and March 2023 revealed that Nigeria has witnessed a sharp increase in hatred and division among its people, with social media platforms like Nairaland playing a significant role.
Nairaland’s comment sections are rife with derogatory language aimed at various tribes and religious groups, with approximately one in every 20 comments containing some form of hate speech.
Despite this alarming trend, Nairaland’s founder, Seun Osewa, appears to have done little to address the issue.
The Lagos State Election Advert Controversy
As the 2023 governorship election in Lagos State approaches, the incumbent Governor, Jide Sanwoolu, has run an advertisement on Nairaland that has been widely criticized for inciting tribalism.
The ad reads, “Think! Lagos can never be run from Anambra,” seemingly suggesting that the Labour Party’s candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, is being sponsored by Igbos, with former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as his godfather.
The Impact of Irresponsible Political Advertising
Such political advertisements not only deepen existing divisions but also undermine the democratic process by promoting suspicion and animosity between different groups.
With a platform as influential as Nairaland, the potential for such adverts to fuel hatred and mistrust is particularly high. It is crucial for political actors to focus on issues-based campaigns and avoid exploiting tribal and religious differences for political gain.
The Need for Online Responsibility
Nairaland’s founder, Seun Osewa, has a responsibility to ensure that the platform does not become a haven for hate speech and bigotry. While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, promoting division and hatred can have severe consequences for society.
The platform should implement stronger moderation policies to curb the spread of harmful content and encourage healthier discussions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent Lagos State election advert controversy on Nairaland underscores the urgent need to confront tribalism and religious bigotry in Nigeria. As elections approach, it is imperative for political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and avoid exploiting existing divisions for their advantage.
Online platforms like Nairaland must also take decisive action by implementing stronger moderation policies to encourage responsible discourse and contribute to a more inclusive and united Nigeria.
Only by fostering an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation can we hope to overcome these deeply ingrained challenges and build a brighter future for all Nigerians.
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Source: MandyNews.com
