Former President Goodluck Jonathan says the rise in fake news, hate speech and propaganda poses a threat to democracy in Nigeria.
Jonathan spoke Monday at the second edition of the “Peace Conference” organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, entitled “Nation Building: The Role of Elections in a Multi-ethnic Context.”
Speaking at the event, the former President said he was delighted to see young people taking an interest in the nation and electoral affairs.
However, he said hate speech must be discouraged.
“Before that time, we were always afraid of guns as a threat to democracy. But the biggest threat to democracy now is the issue of propaganda, fake news and hate speech,” he said.
“Anyone who campaigns for this is a threat to democracy. Our young people should know that we should adopt good behavior that leads to good elections.”
Jonathan went on to say that anyone interested in leadership has a responsibility to protect the nation.
“We have to have a country first before we talk about having a president. If we destroy a country, we don’t need a president,” he said.
“Supporters of those who want to be leaders should first know that we need a nation before whoever they support can emerge as governor or president.”
He added that the motivating factor that makes one go into politics is important and people shouldn’t go into politics for money.
“I always say if you go into politics to make money, go and be a businessman so that nobody comes and bothers you,” the former president said.
“If you want to go into politics, the people should come first, not you first. If you are someone who believes in themselves first, then you have nothing to do with politics.”
