Apparently disturbed by the barrages of hate speeches as well as criticisms directed at his administration in recent times, President Muhammadu Buhari-led government on Thursday ordered security agencies to tackle the propagation of such caustic messages shared on social media that could provoke tension in the country.
The order was given at a security meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa in Abuja.
According to Mansur Dan Ali, minister of defence, who spoke to newsmen after the meeting, the spread of hate speeches in the country has become threatens the peace of the nation.
“Relevant security agencies should as a matter of urgency tackle the propagation of hate speeches through the social media, particularly by some notable Nigerians,” Ali said.
He also stated that the Armed forces is currently synergising with other security agencies through intelligence sharing and joint operations to address the various security challenges in Nigeria.
The meeting which last led three hours was held inside the President’s office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali; and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, led the security chiefs to the meeting.
On the other hand, Dan Ali he disclosed conditions imposed by the United States government for the sale of 12 Super Tucano A29 planes and other weapons worth $495 million.
Apart from that, the US government has also forbidden Nigerian personnel from being sent to understudy the production process of the aircrafts as Nigeria had done in the case of other countries.
The minister said the council has approved that the Ministry of Defence meets with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, to iron out out the contending issues.
The Donald Trump administration last December, agreed to proceed with the sale of the aircrafts to Nigeria after the Obama administration had delayed it following bombing of a refugee camp in January last year by the Nigerian Air Force.
He said, “The contract include cost which is $494 million to acquire the Super Tucano A29 plans as well as training, where the facilities will be accommodated and continuous servicing among others.