Hate Speech and Ethno-Religious Violence in Nigeria

Hate speech is the precursor to ethno-religious violence in Nigeria. In recent times, no issue has generated widespread public comment Nigeria more than issues of hate and rocking country its sad consequences on national integration. Though, speech, provisions constitution Electoral Act are clear but question where draw line between political statements speech. Therefore, this study explored effect A descriptive method was adopted data collected via a survey 600 respondents comprises Traditional Leaders, Christian leaders, Muslim Leaders civil society groups Youth leaders South-South, South-West, South-East, North-West, North-central North-East geopolitical zones Data were analyzed using correlation linear regression analysis with aid Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. The found that there significant relationship submits that, speeches mostly credited their ethnic, religious or regional supporters. Requisite recommendations conclusion provided light empirical theoretical findings.