A Critical Assessment of the Hate Speech Bill and Its Effect on Freedom of Speech in Nigeria ( a Case Study of Public Perception)
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of study
The following are primary objectives of this study:
- To determine the public perception on hate speech bill
- To assess if hate speech bill will have a negative effect on freedom of speech in Nigeria
- To investigate the prevalence of Hate speech in Nigeria
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
Hate speech is an elusive concept with no universally acknowledged definition. It covers abusive, denigrating, harassing speech targeting a group’s or individual’s national, racial, religious or ethnic identity (Steiner & Alston, 2000). Different scholars and researchers around the world have proposed varying illustrations depicting what could be described as hate speech in inter personal communication among people in the society. Human Rights Watch defines hate speech as “any form of expression regarded as offensive to racial, ethnic and religious groups and other discrete minorities, and to women”(Walker, 1995). Some scholars define it as a “generic term that has come to embrace the use of speech attacks based on race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation or preference”(Rodney, 1993). Hate speech is viewed in some quarters as any form of inflammatory language or utterance by citizens expressing hatred and at times inciting violence – against individuals or groups, notably based on their ethnicity or perceived beliefs, acts or political views.(UNMISS, 2018). The lack of universal agreement as to what constitutes hate speech has created a thin line between the vice and regular conversation making the act seemingly difficult to prosecute under law. Indeed, some speech might be so offensive that it may foster a climate of prejudice or discrimination against minority groups; yet it might not constitute hate speech (Kitrosser, 2017). Similarly, the media may include disparaging news about minorities or religious groups(Powell, Hills, & Nash, 2010), or may portray members of religious or ethnic minority groups through cliché and stereotyped images, which might be offensive, but not hate speech (ECHR, 2019). In this regard, a wide definition of hate speech would include group libel, or an attack on the dignity or reputation of a given group or individual. This would cover speech that is considered offensive regardless of whether it would lead to harmful results or not.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain a critical assessment of the hate speech bill and its effect on freedom of speech in Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of a critical assessment of the hate speech bill and its effect on freedom of speech in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on a critical assessment of the hate speech bill and its effect on freedom of speech in Nigeria. Three objectives were raised which included; To determine the public perception on hate speech bill, to assess if hate speech bill will have a negative effect on freedom of speech in Nigeria and to investigate the prevalence of Hate speech in Nigeria. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Social media users in Ikoyi, Lagos State. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
Hate speech exists both in Nigeria and other jurisdictions. On the other hand, freedom of expression is one of the basic fundamental human rights in the constitution of most nation states. Freedom of expression is widely accepted as being necessary in a democracy as it facilitates the exchange of diverse opinions. Democracy guarantees and protects civil and political rights. Freedom of expression is essential for vibrant, robust and rigorous debate, disagreement and contention. The right to free speech is not unlimited, while few consider this freedom to be absolute, most would require compelling reason before considering the abridgement of freedom of expression to be justified. From the foregoing, hate speech depicts any utterance whether verbal or virtual which can endanger public safety, unity and national security. Anything short of this deserves to be curtailed so as not to lead to anarchy and violence. It is pertinent to note that for speech to qualify as hate speech, it must have occurred in the public. (Mrabure, 2016)With the expansion of the internet and the social media, new regulatory challenges more frequently arise because of the global reach of hate speech oncetransmitted.(Guiro & Park, 2017) From the foregoing it is pertinent that limitations should and must be placed on hate speech. However, caution must be exercised to ensure that the rights of citizens to express themselves are not suppressed.Conclusively, as new channels for hate speech are reaching wider audiences, than ever before and at lightning speed both the government, educational institutions, technological companies, international community, academia; need to step up their responses. A holistic approach that aims at tackling the whole life cycle of hate speech, from its roots causes to its impact on societies should be adopted by all stakeholders
Recommendation
- Enactment of a new law where hate speech would be clearly defined in Nigeria and caution taken not to encroach into the realms of freedom of speech as guaranteed by the constitution.
- Education on media ethics: this should focus on the rights and freedom of journalist and their role in creating and promoting peaceful societies.
- Encourage conflict sensitive reporting and multicultural awareness campaigns: this should emphasize knowledge about and respect for the diversity of cultures and traditions
- End impunity against hate crimes: this can be tackled by establishing evaluation units in newsroom. These units will bring the attention of key institutions and the civil society groups to help in speaking against hate crimes.
- Encourage victims and witnesses to report hate speech related crimes.
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