By Uzo Ugwunze
Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has described growing spread of disinformation, misinformation, fake news and hate speech as threat to electoral integrity and governance.
Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike stated this in Awka, Anambra state at a 2-day workshop on countering disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and hate speech organized in collaboration with Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room supported by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
She regretted that such acts “disproportionately impact vulnerable groups like women, youths and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).”
She said the event aimed to nurture community truth ambassadors and grassroots champions poised to fact-check, counter harmful narratives, and foster safer, more inclusive civic spaces, particularly as the state approaches pivotal electoral engagements.
“Through expert-led sessions, hands-on fact-checking practice, role-plays, and collaborative roadmap development, we envision at least 30 participants leaving empowered to detect, report back to SIDEC secretariat and combat disinformation.
“We anticipate strengthened digital and media literacy, especially benefiting women and PWDs in markets and communities.” she said.
Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor described fake news and hate speech spread as form of criminality that pollutes cyberspace, calling for strong action against purveyors.
He highlighted potential consequences of fake news, likening it to moral sin and crime capable of leading to serious miscalculations and decisions.
She stressed the importance of verifying information before sharing, urging participants to become ambassadors in the quest to clean up social media space in the state and beyond.
“I have never seen where fake news is intended to kill. It is meant to destroy truth, harmony, and everything good. That is what is going on.
“If you go to social media, you will see what we are talking about. You will see the deployment of AI to mimic, satirize and caricature many people who have gained national and international standings.
“By the time they finish destroying these personalities that are not only iconic but represent Anambra in the centre and in the world, how do you want the world to see them when we are done with November 8. There ought to be consequences for such actions.”
The commissioner noted that politics could be played without unleashing hate speech, disinformation, and misinformation, and that clean politics was possible without resorting to such tactics.
“If the trend of spreading fake news and disinformation continued, the November 8 election might not be peaceful and that will be unfortunate given its potential to be one of the best elections in the country.
“Timely trials of individuals spreading fake news will serve as deterrent, ultimately regulating the social media space and promote a safer online environment,” he added.
A resource person and Regional Officer and ECOWAS Liaison Lead, West Africa Democracy Network (WADEMOS), Austin Aigbe took participants through various topics including understanding Fake news, Principles, Disinformation and its dangers to peace and democracy.
Other issues he presented were navigating Disinformation and Generative AI in Nigeria, Principles of Fact-checking Reporting, Strategies and Dissemination as well as Emerging Concepts and Theories in Nigeria’s Fake News Ecosystem.