Osinbajo spoke at the National Security Summit organised by the National Economic Council at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The council, which is chaired by the Acting President, has all the state governors and some relevant ministers as members.
While describing the intimidation of a population by words as an act of terrorism, Osinbajo said the Federal Government would henceforth take the matter seriously.
Osinbajo vowed that whoever engaged in hate speech henceforth should be prepared to face all the consequences associated with terrorism.
He urged leaders at all levels to condemn hate speech, adding that remaining silent on the matter could be interpreted to mean endorsement.
Osinbajo said, “The Federal Government has today drawn the line on hate speech. Hate speech is a species of terrorism. Terrorism as it is defined popularly is the unlawful use of violence or intimidation against individuals or groups especially for political ends.
“The law, that is the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended), defines terrorism as an act which is deliberately done with malice which may seriously harm or damage a country or seriously intimidate a population.
“The intimidation of a population by words is an act of terrorism and this government intends to take this matter very seriously. As I have said, we have drawn a line against hate speech, it will not be tolerated, it will be taken as an act of terrorism and all of the consequences will follow it.
“I call on all business, religious and political leaders, whatever your political leaning, your religion or tribe or faith to condemn in the strongest possible terms at all times, hate speech.
“When a speech promotes violence against an individual or group, especially when such comes from people of your own faith, tribe or group, your silence in such situations can only be seen as an endorsement.”
Osinbajo said hate speech and the promotion of the same, throughout history, succeeded in achieving their barbarous ends by the silence of influential voices from the aggressor communities.
He said when leaders in communities that “speak in such a manner as to create dissension or to intimidate a population are quiet, they do a great disservice to the nation.”
The Acting President said, “Silence in such situations can only be seen as an endorsement.
(Punch)
