Gombe CSOs Raise Alarm Over Rising Political Hate Speech, Urge Peace Ahead of Governorship Race
Gombe CSOs Raise Alarm Over Rising Political Hate Speech, Urge Peace Ahead of Governorship Race
By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe
The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organizations (GONET) has expressed concern over what it described as the growing wave of hostile social media campaigns and inflammatory political rhetoric among supporters of major governorship aspirants in Gombe State, warning that the trend could threaten the state’s long-standing peace.
In a statement jointly signed by GONET Chairman, Amb. Ibrahim Yusuf, popularly known as Ibrahim Yusuf 3000, and the organisation’s Secretary, Dr Benjamin Maina, the group said political engagement in the state was increasingly shifting from healthy democratic competition to personal attacks, cyberbullying, character assassination and incitement.
The organisation warned that if the situation is allowed to continue unchecked, it could undermine the peaceful coexistence for which Gombe, widely known as the “Jewel in the Savannah”, has earned national recognition.
According to GONET, elections should remain contests of ideas, policies and leadership competence rather than platforms for spreading hatred or falsehood against political opponents.
“Politics should never become a licence for hatred. Every aspirant is a son of Gombe whose dignity deserves respect, irrespective of political affiliation. Supporters should engage on issues and programmes instead of abusive language and fabricated narratives,” the statement said.
The group also cautioned that political violence often begins with reckless public communication, noting that history has shown that physical confrontations are frequently preceded by sustained misinformation, provocative statements and the normalisation of verbal abuse.
It therefore called on all governorship aspirants and political leaders to publicly caution their supporters against hate speech, online harassment and inflammatory comments.
According to the organisation, responsible leadership is measured not only by political influence but also by the discipline and conduct of supporters.
GONET further reminded residents that political alliances often change, urging citizens not to destroy friendships, divide families or create lasting community tensions over electoral contests.
The civil society coalition also called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering to identify and address acts of cyber harassment and deliberate incitement while enforcing the law professionally and without political bias.
It urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, community leaders, civil society groups and media organisations to intensify campaigns promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and issue-based political discourse throughout the election period.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful elections, GONET stressed that political offices are temporary but the people of Gombe will continue to live together long after campaigns have ended.
“The people of Gombe will remain neighbours, colleagues, friends and family after the elections. Democracy thrives when citizens can disagree without becoming enemies. Campaigns should remain vigorous, debates should remain robust, but mutual respect must never be compromised,” the statement added.
The organisation concluded by urging residents to choose wisdom over provocation, truth over propaganda and peace over political bitterness, expressing hope that Gombe would continue to preserve the harmony that has distinguished it as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
