Centre cautions against use of hyperbolic, sensational words

The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has urged conveners and organisers of ‘#Revolution Now’ to be cautious in the use of hyperbolic and sensational words as they may be interpreted otherwise, thereby heightening the already tensed situation in the country.

Executive Secretary of the Centre, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), who gave the warning in a statement signed yesterday in Abuja, said the tension and restiveness, which are generated by the deteriorating conflict trends, might further be aggravated by the prevalent hate-speeches and resentful communication in the polity.

“This is a dangerous development, which if not well managed and timely too, could spark off national crisis with far-reaching consequences.

“While it will not question the right to peaceful protest by individuals or groups, the process must be done in tandem with constitutional provisions.

“There is need on the part of the government and the governed to always exercise restraint in conflict or crisis situation.

“We call on all well-meaning individuals, groups, state and non-state actors to see this unwarranted and surreptitious call as a serious threat to our nascent democracy,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Centre has condemned in its entirety the growing toxic narrative that is purveyed in the country, especially in the social media, which tends to demonise the Fulani, pitching them against others.

It said that the orchestrated effort to criminalise the entire Fulani ethnic group was unacceptable, and therefore rejects the unfortunate narrative that collectively demonises them as inherently evil and therefore guilty of whatever crime is attributed to them.