by Abdulrazaq O Hamzat,
Foundation for Peace Professionals has in its possession, a hate and
inciting song, obtained through the social media and currently
circulating in Northern Nigeria. We urge the Federal Government to
take immediate action to avert the Rwanda Genocide experience that may
likely occur as a result of the destructive song.
The trending song, which was voiced by an unknown female artist in
Hausa language, was carefully worded, with the intention of causing
deliberate mass incitement of Nigerians from the North against those
from the Igbo extraction. This is a serious matter that must be
addressed with the speed of light, if the current peace shall be
preserved.
In our candidate estimation, the song is a threat to national security
and we can’t imagine the extent of genocide that may likely occur,
should the Federal Government not mobilize all resources within its
capacity to avert the catastrophic response that may break out in the
next few weeks, if not days.
The song is dangerous, inciting and capable of drawing the country
into another civil war and we must act fast to stop it.
We are using this opportunity to call on the Federal Government of
Nigeria under the leadership of the acting President, Prof Yemi
Osinbajo, all security agencies, all Northern Governors and
traditional rulers, particularly in fragile states like Kano, Kaduna,
Jos, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and others to immediately take steps, not
only to withdraw the song from circulation and embark on extensive
media advocacy in Hausa to counter the deadly incitement, but to also
mobilize strategic security responses to address any reaction that may
break out as a result of the hate song. This is an emergency that must
be taken with all seriousness.
LISTEN
All Northern leaders must with immediate effect, condemn and
dissociate themselves from this barbaric song and urge the people
never to attack any Nigerian of Igbo extraction living in the North.
While we strongly condemn those who produced the song and circulated
it on the social media, we urge them to understand that the fire they
are about to light may not spear them.
Finally, inciting the masses into committing genocide against a people
is not the best way to respond to whatever situation. We urge all
Nigerians to cherish peace and continue to work towards building
better understanding.
Abdulrazaq O Hamzat
Executive Director
Foundation for Peace Professionals
www.fpp.com.ng
