By Haruna Gimba Yaya, Gombe. 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has conducted a two-day sensitization workshop for students of tertiary institutions to combat hate speech.

The workshop which held in Gombe had participants drawn from schools in the six states of the North-east geopolitical zone.

He said the workshop aimed at expanding the perception of the participants on how to curtail the spread of hate speech in Nigeria ahead of the 2019 general elections.

He said CITAD seeks to discourage them from using the free space provided by the online and social media, to carry out hate or any dangerous speech capable of causing violence in the country.

“The use of technological tools in combating hate speech becomes necessary bearing in mind the damages hate speech has done to the country, especially during previous elections. Because peace can only prevail when we live in a hate speech free society,” Ya’u said.

By Patience Ogbodo Iwuagwu.

Bauchi – A non-governmental organisation, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has cautioned against fuelling ethnic religious conflict and killings through the use of social media.

Addressing a press conference at NUJ Secretariat in Bauchi, Mohammed Chiroma Hassan, Programme Officer of CITAD, lamented that the circulation of fake news was behind the series of violence recorded in the country.

He said, “It’s unfortunate that communication issue has been stoking the fire of violence in the country. This is the circulation of fake news, especially in the social media has been fuelling ethno-religious conflicts and killings in the country.

“Amidst recurring loss of life and property in many parts of Nigeria, another serious or rather unnoticed danger is brewing with a wildfire effect; this danger is nothing but circulation of fake press statements/releases that are widely circulated online. An example of this is the purported release by a non-existent group ‘Fulani National Movement (FUNAM)’ claiming to justify reprisal killings because the cows of herders have been killed. We have researched into the so-called movement and it is clear that someone with an interest in stoking the fire of violence is behind the fake association,” he said.

Hassan stated: “Sentiment and selfish agenda has given people the momentum to become information givers while recklessness has encouraged some people to use technology for bad, yes for bad because they manufacture lies and disseminate on websites, groups and pages on Facebook, the effect of these fake updates is that when people read them, they become emotional and sometimes react violently.

“Any careful reader might have noticed various press statements on Jos crisis in circulation. They carry strange names of signatories and associations of certain people, making provocative remarks on the crisis and setting conditions. Rather calm the situation, the statements aggravate it by reinforcing the desire for vengeance,” he said.

By Haruna Gimba Yaya.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has conducted a two-day sensitization workshop for students of tertiary institutions to combat hate speech.

The workshop which held in Gombe had participants drawn from schools in the six states of the North-east geopolitical zone.

He said the workshop aimed at expanding the perception of the participants on how to curtail the spread of hate speech in Nigeria ahead of the 2019 general elections.

He said CITAD seeks to discourage them from using the free space provided by the online and social media, to carry out hate or any dangerous speech capable of causing violence in the country.

“The use of technological tools in combating hate speech becomes necessary bearing in mind the damages hate speech has done to the country, especially during previous elections. Because peace can only prevail when we live in a hate speech free society,” Ya’u said.

By Hamza Ibrahim.

In continuation of the search for ideas, perspectives and mechanisms of addressing insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has with support from North East Regional Initiative (NERI) engaged students of tertiary institutions in the insurgency-ravaged North East region in debates to showcase their ideas on resuscitating the region. Before the regional, there have been state level debates in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states where three different tertiary institutions participated. In Yobe, Federal University Gashua, State University Damaturu and Federal Polytechnic Damaturu competed and Federal Polytechnic won. In Borno, Ramat Polytechnic and University of Maiduguri took part and Ramat Polytechnic became winner. In Adamawa, Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) Yola, State University Mubi and Federal Polytechnic Mubi participated and MAUTECH emerged winner. Therefore, MAUTECH representing Adamawa, Ramat Polytechnic, Borno and Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe earlier secured points to compete at the regional debate that took place today (9^th June, 2018) in Yola.

Giving welcome remarks at the beginning of the debate, Executive Director of CITAD, Y.Z. Ya’u said the debate is aimed at harvesting the best ideas from young people in order to place them before decision makers so as to address the problem of insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin. He emphasized the role of young people in bringing positive change in their societies hinting that youthful age is a resource that should be efficiently utilized by the youths, “if our young people organized themselves, identified key objectives that they want to achieve, they are capable of achieving the set objectives, the “not too young to run” is a good example”. Elaborating on youth potentials, Ya’u added, “young people have energy, we believe they have ideas, and it is in the spirit of leveraging those ideas that we organized the debate”. Y.Z. Ya’u further challenged the youths to offer concrete solutions capable of getting the North East region out of insurgency.

Also giving a goodwill message, representative of the North East Regional Initiative (NERI), Ikey Omoigiade observed that large chunk of Nigeria’s population is made up of youths, therefore carrying them along in decision making process will be a great asset to the country. Giving brief background on NERI, Mr. Omoigiade said “North East Regional Initiative (NERI) is a four year USAID programme and it’s aim is to fund and support civil society groups, communities, the Nigerian government as well as other stakeholders and to deliver assistance by awarding small grants to local and international partners working in the North East”.

Also giving a goodwill message, the host for the debate, Vice Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Shehu Iya expressed his happiness for being asked to host the debate, he commended organizers of the event by framing it in such a way that it is not “for or against”, but the desire to generate robust ideas towards addressing insurgency in the North East. Prof. Iya noted that in developed countries it is the knowledge that drives the economy, and these are the kinds of issues that are being generated within the walls of universities or the tertiary institutions that are being used to be the fulcrum of development. Prof. Iya added that the debate ideas will surely assist the government in defeating the insurgency.

Four questions were outlined for the team of three participants from the three institutions to choose, and the questions were: a-how will the Presidential Committee on North East Initiatives (PCNI) be more effective in its intervention in the region from the youths point of view?, b-how can youths unemployment be addressed in the North East? Perspectives from youths, c-how would youths contribute in promoting safety and security in schools in North East?, d-in what organizational forms will students of tertiary institutions be more effective in contributing to curbing extremism among youths?

The participating students have brainstormed and proffered different solutions to all the questions raised, panel of judges of made their assessment based on the performance of the students and finally the chair of the panel, Mrs. Dora Alahira announced the result. Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) took first position with 183 points, Ramat Polytechnic second position with 163 points and Federal Polytechnic Damaturu the third position with 162 points. As prize for the first position MAUTECH was given 1 desk top computer, 2 laptops and a 500GB external disc, coming second, Ramat Polytechnic was 1 desk top computer, 3 Techno Ipads and 500GB external hard disc, the third position prize 1 desk top computer, 3 Samsung Ipads and 500GB external hard disc was given to Federal Polytechnic Damaturu. The regional inter-tertiary institutions students’ debate was attended by VC MAUTECH, NERI delegation, Adamawa Commissioner of Education, Professors from MAUTECH, lecturers and students from the three schools and other schools, other professionals, media, etc.

Malam Hamza Ibrahim, the spokesperson of CITAD gave the advice on Wednesday at a media briefing organised by the association in Kano.

A Kano based Non Governmental Organisation, Centre for Information Technology and Development, has advised Online Newspapers to regulate their sites against hate speeches.
Malam Hamza Ibrahim, the spokesperson of CITAD gave the advice on Wednesday at a media briefing organised by the association in Kano.
According to Ibrahim, the organisation has tracked 175 hate speeches on the social media for the month of June which were used at various platforms.
He said that about 28 per cent of the recorded speeches were religious based while 36 per cent were tribal based and 1.7 percent was politically motivated.
He said: “The languages used for the hate speeches in May as we monitored were English and pidgin.”
The CITAD spokesman however, appealed to traditional and religious leaders at different capacities to create avenues of sentisitising and cautioning people against hate speeches.
Ibrahim described hate speeches as “anti peace and anti development’ which people must avoid.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that CITAD in partnership with MacArthur Foundation had been monitoring and countering hate speeches on media platforms since 2014.

A Kano based Non Governmental Organisation, Centre for Information Technology and Development, has advised Online Newspapers to regulate their sites against hate speeches.

Malam Hamza Ibrahim, the spokesperson of CITAD gave the advice on Wednesday at a media briefing organised by the association in Kano.

According to Ibrahim, the organisation has tracked 175 hate speeches on the social media for the month of June which were used at various platforms.

He said that about 28 per cent of the recorded speeches were religious based while 36 per cent were tribal based and 1.7 percent was politically motivated.

The CITAD spokesman however, appealed to traditional and religious leaders at different capacities to create avenues of sentisitising and cautioning people against hate speeches.

Ibrahim described hate speeches as “anti peace and anti development’ which people must avoid.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that CITAD in partnership with MacArthur Foundation had been monitoring and countering hate speeches on media platforms since 2014.

By Richard P. Ngbokai, Kano 

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in collaboration with MacArthur foundation has called on religious and traditional rulers in the country to intensify efforts in sensitizing people against hate speech and other hateful conduct against fellow Nigerians be it on the basis of religion or ethnicity.

The curbing-hate-speech project coordinator, CITAD, Malam Hamza Ibrahim made the call today in Kano during a press briefing about the outcome of their monthly survey of hateful conduct of Nigerians against one another on the cyberspace.

He said 175 hate speeches were recorded in May, with over twenty-eight (28%) percent of such speeches being faith based in which either Muslims were attacking Christians or Christians targeting Muslims.

He urged the leaders to preach tolerance to their followers saying “hate speech brews violence and enmity of varying degree among people.”

He emphasized the need for the country to take necessary action towards addressing the menace of hate speech.

“Hateful conduct of whatever kind is not helpful to a country with over 250 ethnic groups and different religious followers who ought to give peace and mutual respect a chance by respecting each others’ beliefs, values and views” Ibrahim said

While condemning the statement credited to the member representing Igabi west constituency in the Kaduna state House of Assmbly, Yusuf Zailani against Senator Shehu Sani, the centre urged politicians to exercise some sense of responsibility in their bids for public offices saying some of their utterances are capable of tearing the country apart.

Yusuf Zailani has reportedly placed a bounty of N5m for anybody that could bring him Senator Shehu Sani’s hair.

By Bashir Mohammed. Kano

Programme Officer, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Hajiya Harira Abdulrahaman Wakili, has described open National Assembly as a veritable key to entrenching probity, accountability and transparency in democratic governance.
Speaking at a one day sensitisation forum organised for students held at the CITAD conference hall in Kano yesterday, Wakili said the objective of organising the forum was to keep them posted on the responsibility bestowed on the shoulders of legislators having been part of an indispensable organ of government.
According to her, it was the constitutional right for every citizen to be kept informed on the workings of the legislature in a democratic dispensation pointing out that the issue of absolute accountability is paramount for genuine democratic system in the country.
She said, “You are constitutionally bound to enquire what is happening at the National Assembly. Ask your legislator to furnish you with credible information about his stewardship. What is important is accountability.
“In a situation where your legislator fails to live up to expectation, inform CITAD and we are definitely going to take measures to put him or her on the right track. We are in a democratic era and no one should be kept in the dark as students, this is your right and auspicious time to buckle-up,” she added.
While expressing CITAD’s unalloyed commitment to sustaining the sensitisation forum from time to time, the programme assistant maintained that without a vibrant and cohesive National Assembly, reaping the dividends of democracy would only remain a far cry.

CENTER FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT (CITAD), WITH SUPPORT FROM ASSOCIATION FOR PROGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION (APC)

 

A POST-PROGRAMME RESEARCH (EVALUATION STUDY)

 

 

MAY, 2018

  

Abstract

This research is an evaluation study which was carried out in order to find out impacts the radio programme, ‘Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo,’ has made on its audiences. The one hour weekly programme titled, “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” on Freedom radio, 99.5FM, is usually broadcasted in Hausa language. The programme has its primary goal of combating Gender Based Violence Online and creating awareness on the importance of the Internet especially to women in Northern Nigeria. By the time this research was conducted, 10 different episodes of the programme have been broadcasted and thus, made it a necessity to undergo another research in order to understand the impact as well as generate audiences’ views about the challenges as well as way they think the programme can be enhanced. The results gathered from the study have shown that “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” radio programme has made an effective impacts on the listeners as most women in the study are now confidential in the use of the internet, at the same time; their awareness on the importance of the internet to them has increased greatly.

1.0 Background of the Study

In previous researches conducted by Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) 2017, women in Kano state who were the primary respondents in the studies (and men in some cases), revealed that they have been subjected to different types of gender based violence online, more specifically, social networking sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and Viber. Among the most common violence they do encounter according to the studies were unwanted/unsolicited messages, pornographic materials/indecent materials and exposure of private life by someone. These have discouraged the willingness of women to use the internet, and at the same time, they reported that these have posed fears in their minds whenever they want to use the internet, while some have completely avoid using the internet as a result of one or another form of GBVO they have experienced. A good number of the respondents confessed that they don’t know the tools and don’t use them online and are not competent in using the online protection tools.

It was against this background, CITAD, with support from APC embarked on an advocacy for a safe internet for women free of violence. This campaign has both offline and online components. The offline component involved weekly interactive radio programme on Freedom radio, 99.5FM, Kano. In each week, different topic related to gender violence online and or online safety tools were treated with experts in the field of ICT and Cyber security. The programme was aired for 13 weeks, from January 09-10 April, 2018.

Consequently, a post programme research was set to understand the impacts the radio programme has made on its listeners which are primarily women and girls after 13 episodes of the programme has being aired.

 2.0 Objectives of the Study

• To examine the level of the listeners’ understanding on the term “GBVO.”
• To assess how conversant the listeners are with online safety and protection tools.
• To find out benefits the audience gained from the programme.
• To find out challenges to the programme.

3.0 Methodology

The study attempted to gather more reliable data. The study therefore employed qualitative approach in gathering the data. The qualitative technique involved a Focus Group Discussion with some female listeners of “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo.” Male listeners of the programme were also examined and they constituted secondary respondents in the study. This was to understand the impacts this programme has made not only on the females who are mostly the victims, but also on the males, who are the perpetrators of the gender violence online. All respondents in this study are either regular listeners of “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” or have listened to the programme at least twice.

Five set of FGDs were conducted with a total of 50 participants in the following groups:

1. Housewives (10 participants),
2. Female students (10 participants),
3. Female workers (10 participants),
4. Male students (10 participants),
5. Male youths (10 participants).

4.0 Data Presentation

1. Benefits gained from the programme

The respondents were asked to explain the benefits they think they have derived from the programme. All respondents said they have benefited with one thing or another from this programme. Six among the housewives explained that before they started listening to the programme, they had no idea on how to trace and take action on someone who disguises himself on the internet to deceive them, but listening to the programme has taught them how to follow issues up and face relevant authority for redress. Five among the female students also explained that they only learned that they can block anybody who tries to harass or intimidate them on either Facebook, Twitter or Instagram from the programme.

Another key learning as expressed by some respondents comprising of both male and female workers as well as female students groups was using letters, characters, numbers and symbols to create a unique and “strong password” in order to make it difficult for hackers or intruders to break into. They revealed that prior to listening to the programme they had no skills of differentiating between strong and weak password nor did they know its importance in securing their accounts on the internet, but they are now “sensitive” to issues of securing their accounts. The programme has also taught them how to arrange letters, characters, numbers and symbols in order to come up with strong password.

According to some respondents from the youth and the housewives groups, what they learnt was how to verify friendship request on Facebook and other online platforms before accepting which gives them an idea on whether or not we should be friends with some people on different platforms.

Almost all respondents in from all groups agreed that they have now understood how women can benefit immensely from using internet such as how they can advertise their products and services on the internet from home, educate themselves on variety of topics-fashion, cooking, decoration etc. Some also mentioned that their understanding on GBVO has increased and have learned how to report harassment, intimidation or violence on Facebook, Twitter etc.

According three female respondents, their husbands whom they usually listen to the programme together now allowed them to use their Facebook accounts after they have previously banned them to due to the issues of online gender violence. They have now become comfortable with them using “Facebook and other online apps” since there are ways or measures women can take to prevent themselves or get the harassers punished.

Other key learning from the programme as explained by some the respondents include privatizing online accounts, knowledge on how to report online harassments to the police or other security agencies, cautious in using public WIFI and harms free apps could cause to their users.

According to some male respondents, the programme is a right step in the right direction because it has sensitized people on what remains a big challenge to women’s access of internet.

2. Whether the programme has helped in eradicating fears of using the internet by women

This question was asked to compare the state of mind of the women when using the internet before and after the programme, this was because, in early researches that were conducted prior to the programme, majority of the respondents agreed that their fear has drastically reduced as a result of the programme. Half of the female respondents in summation of all female groups explained that their fear of using the internet has completely been erased courtesy of the programme, About a quarter of the female respondents said they used to have fear earlier because many couples got separated due to violence online, but the programme was able to discuss issues around that and ably provided preventive measures, therefore they have no fear using the internet now. Six among the female respondents said they have ignored using the internet earlier, but with this programme, they are now using it. Another set of respondents, almost half a quarter, added that their fear of internet due to online gender violence has also reduced in parents’ mind because the programme has featured some of them in the programme and they expressed their concerns and measures were presented to address those concerns.

3. What do we like most about the programme?

Almost half of the respondents both males and females groups said they liked the “sign tune” of the programme is what they like most, they differently gave reasons as the song tallies with the programme, the lyrics was in conversant with the ordeal of women on the internet. Some  explained that what they liked most about the programme was the way in which different resource persons were invited to talk on different topics. Four more mentioned that it was the phone-in segment where audience call and ask questions and how messages of the audience are read politely. Another set of seven male respondents said what they liked most was when victims of GBVO were hosted and they narrated what happened to them and later on advices and measures were proffered by other discussants. Three more still from male respondents said they liked the episode that talked about preventive tools and how women can use the internet to boost their knowledge of variety of things. Lastly, one male respondent stated that what he liked most in the programme was when a female lawyer was featured and she explained a number of things that he never knew before.

4. What is it that you don’t like about the programme?

More than half (both male and female group) respondents mentioned that they did not like the fact that the programme was not repeated. They explained that the programme needed to be repeated at least once a week to allow for more listenership. The programme should have also been fixed at night time so that women will be at home by that time explained some women, because the present timing made it difficult for them to fully listen because they were either in school or different working places at the time it aired. About five men also shared similar view with that shared by the women where they think the timing was inappropriate. They suggested it should be aired in the night and repeated early the following morning.  Few others said the programme should have been fixed at weekends and evening time when women have little or less work to do. Few more from the male respondents said that the time allocated to audience messages and calls was too short, while two more respondents said they didn’t like audience messages being read at the end of the programme. The connectivity problem during the programme where audience found it difficult to call when the programme was on is what he dislikes about the programme. Lastly, two respondents suggested that the programme should have been provided in a podcast format so that it goes viral and shared on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram.

5. Whether the programme enlightened us on the significance of internet to women?

More than half of the respondents said yes to this question. They explained that the programme has significantly enlightened women on the usage of internet because there was an episode that discussed particularly how women could learn to cook, advertise their products and services on the net, how they can access literature, watch tutorials of how many things are done. Their understanding of online businesses has also increased. Only few among the respondents said they don’t think their knowledge on the significance of the internet has increased as a result of listening to the programme, while few others stated that they were already aware of the importance of the internet to women even before the programme.

6. Whether the programme creates or increases understanding of the gender-based violence against women online

All respondents agreed that the programme has introduced them as well as increased their understanding of various forms of gender-based violence against women online and the actions or measures they can take when such incidences happen. The female respondents equally believed that they feel encouraged to challenge harassment or violence against them. Six male respondents said that their perception of GBVO was enriched to include other forms of violence against women that prior to the programme which they did not regard as GBVO before the programme. Another set of three male respondents said the programme has not only created awareness on GBVO in women and the males who are mostly the perpetrators, but in parents as well who deny their daughters access to the internet, but the programme has sensitized and encouraged parents to allow their daughters access internet. The tips and skills of preventing GBVO taught during the programme were the reasons for the decision of most parents to allow their daughters use the internet. One woman admitted it was the programmed that encouraged her to buy her daughters phones to be accessing the internet.

7. Has the programme done anything to encourage its male audience to stop harassing women online?

This question was particularly asked in the FGDs with male groups. All respondents agreed that the programme has challenged and encouraged male gender to be supportive of the crusade against gender-based violence against women online. For instance, a respondent stated that many young guys create fake accounts with women’s pictures on their profile to perpetrate violence or ruin the image of the women, but the programme has sensitized those who do that. Another added that any men have now understood the danger of violence against women.

4. 13 Discussion of Findings Based on Research Objectives

• To examine the level of the listeners’ understanding on the term “GBVO.”

With a significance difference, the understanding of the women about the issue of GBVO has been enriched if compared with the findings of the pre-programme study that was conducted. Thus the study has enriched their knowledge of GBVO and has also sensitise the perpetrators of GBVO on the negative effects of such acts.

• To assess how conversant the listeners are with the online safety and protection tools.

From the findings of this research, it can be deduced that the women are now familiar or conversant with the protection tools available online; unlike in the pre-programme research where the respondents could not even give meaning to protection tools.

• To find out benefits gained from the programme

Most of the skills learnt by the respondents are protection tools such as blocking, reporting, developing online safety consciousness using strong passwords, privacy setting, and verifying friends’ requests logging out accounts after using them among so many others.

 

• To find out challenges to the programme

Most respondents said they found the programme interesting. Although some said the timing wasn’t appropriate and the programme should have repeat each episode at least once a week. Few respondents mentioned that respondents don’t use to have enough time to call-in during the programme and connectivity during the programme was a challenge to the programme.

Conclusion

The study was conducted in order to examine impacts the radio programme “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” has made on its listeners. The study used a Focus Group Discussion method to generate data. The data that was generated from this study has shown that the programme “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” has made great impacts on its listeners as they became more aware of the GBVO and online protection tools that will prevent them from GBVO. The results have also shown that the women in Kano State have become more aware of the importance of the internet to them and to the society at large. They have also become more confident in the use of both the internet and the online protection to. Findings have also revealed that most respondents fear for the internet has been reduced with a significance percentage.

– The Centre for Information Technology and Development has criticised Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state over statements credited to him

– The organisation condemned the governor’s statement against three senators representing the state at the National Assembly

– The members of the public have been urged not to react to El-Rufai’s statement.

The governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has been condemned by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) over his recent statements against three senators representing the state at the National Assembly.

It was reported that the governor had in audio/video clip that went viral on social media, made hateful comment and call to action statement against Senators Shehu Sani, Danjuma Laah and Suleiman Hunkuyi.

In a statement signed by Hamza Ibrahim, CITAD urged El-Rufai to as a matter of urgency withdraw his comments and caution his supporters against engaging in any form of violence, Daily Trust reports. NAIJ.com notes that the people were urged to disregard the governor’s statement while the Kaduna state chapter of the All Progressives Congress was called upon to condemn the comments The statement read: “We urge the public to remain calm and peaceful, and not react to the statements. The Senators, Shehu Sani, Danjuma Laah and Sulaiman Hunkuyi should also caution their followers not engage in counter hate speech or counter mobilization for violence.”

“Saddled with the responsibility of ensuring peace and security of lives and properties of people in Kaduna state and preventing actions and comments capable of jeopardising peace in the state that is facing security challenges, the governor should have avoided making these sorts of hateful comments. We deeply regret and condemn the inciting comments by Malam Nasir El-Rufai.”

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Friday, May 4, said that the three senators representing his state were ignorant of the real indices of development and progress in a democratic setting, describing the lawmakers as the enemies of democracy.

The governor said this at the Kaduna Township Stadium, weeks after the senators, Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), Suleiman Hukunyi (Kaduna North), and Danjuma Leah (Kaduna South) blocked a $350 million loan request by the Kaduna government.

By Mustapha Usman.

Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD, has condemned the comments made by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufa’i against the three senators representing the state in the National Assembly.

DAILY NIGERIAN reported that Mr El-Rufai had rained insults on the three senators: Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), Sulieman Hukunyi (Kaduna North), and Danjuma Leah (Kaduna South) for blocked a $350m World Bank loan request by the state government.

Describing the comments as hate speech, CITAD urged the governor to publicly withdraw the statement.

“He should also advise the entire people of Kaduna State to disregard Gov. Malam Nasir El-rufai’s call against the three senators.

“We Call on All Progressives Congress (APC) Kaduna state chapter to condemn the comments as well and encourage the three Senators not to react.

CITAD, however, called on the Senators not to retaliate and to caution their followers not engage in counter hate speech or counter mobilization for violence.

“The social media players must understand that circulating the said audio/video clip is giving room to further unnecessary debate and hate speech, as such they should stop promoting the clip and instead advocate for peace,” the statement added.

By Yusha’u A. Ibrahim, Kano.

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i over his recent statements against three senators representing the state at the National Assembly.

It would be recalled that El-Rufa’i had in audio/video clip that went viral on social media, made hateful comment and call to action statement against Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Danjuma Laah and Senator Sulaiman Hunkuyi.

CITAD in a statement, signed by Hamza Ibrahim urged El-Rufa’i to as a matter of urgency withdraw his comments and caution his supporters against respecting his directive or engaging in any form of violence.

The centres also advised the people of Kaduna State to disregard the governor’s statement, calling on the Kaduna state chapter of the ruling APC to condemn the comments as well and encourage the three Senators not to react as well as cautioning followers of both factions against counter utterances.

“We urge the public to remain calm and peaceful, and not react to the statements. The Senators, Shehu Sani, Danjuma Laah and Sulaiman Hunkuyi should also caution their followers not engage in counter hate speech or counter mobilization for violence,” the statement appealed.

The statement lamented that as the chief security officer of Kaduna state, El-Rufa’i needs not to be reminded of the danger of his comments against the politicians.

“Saddled with the responsibility of ensuring peace and security of lives and properties of people in Kaduna state and preventing actions and comments capable of jeopardising peace in the state that is facing security challenges, the governor should have avoided making these sorts of hateful comments. We deeply regret and condemn the inciting comments by Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i.

To the social media players, the centre urged them to understand that circulating the said audio/video clip was giving room to further unnecessary debate and hate speech, as such they should stop promoting the clip and instead advocate for peace.

CTAD’s Senior Programme Officer, Isa Garba, in his remarks, said “the activities of the insurgents have caused many to loss their lives, properties worth millions of naira destroyed, yet youths are at the forefront of the terrorism which calls for concern.” Also speaking at the occasion, the CITAD Board of Trustee and Dean, Faculty of Arts and Education, Bauchi State University, Dr Asabe Sadi Mohammed, said: “The aims and objectives of the debate is to proffer solutions to the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents.
“Most of the members of the Boko Haram sect are youths. We want to use the youths especially in the tertiary institutions to spray the message that the activities of the insurgents are negative to our religions, economy and our society.” Blueprint reports that the topics for debate were “how can youths contribute to ending insurgency in the North-east and how students of tertiary institutions can contribute in addressing the problems of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Our correspondent further reports that three participants each were selected from Federal University, Gashua, Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, and the host Yobe State University. At the end of the debate, Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, emerged winners in and went away with a Desktop Computer and four cell phones, while Federal University, Gashua, and Yobe State University came second and third, respectively