THE SOCIAL DYNAMICS OF HATE SPEECH IN NIGERIA: CAUSES, CHANNELS, AND CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

This paper presents a sociological analysis of hate speech in Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the causes and consequences of hate speech and sociological perspectives on hate speech without necessarily tampering with freedom of expression and inhibiting peace and unity in the country. Hate speech is a negative way of interacting among people in different societies. Hate speech is present in all known human societies; no society is hate speech-free. In Nigerian, hate speech has generated intense debate, especially as it is popularized by political developments. The debate has focused extensively on the meaning of hate speech and measures of combating it in a manner that will continue to cement the unity of Nigerians. Despite the reality of hate speech in Nigeria, the phenomenon has received little or low scholarly attention. Academics, scholars, interested organisations, agencies, and the general public owe society a great deal in engagingly discussing issues of hate speech in Nigeria, especially from different disciplines and perspectives.