As Nigeria approaches the 2019 General Elections, President Buhari has warned the elite to stop misleading the people through their unguarded utterances and hate speeches.
Buhari gave the warning during the 24th convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo weekend, where he noted that universities as home of great thinkers, should give guidance to the communities to enable the people make informed decisions ahead of the 2019 general elections.
The President, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Communications, National Universities Commission, Ibrahim Yakasai, said development and progress will not thrive in a hate-filled and divisive society.
According to him, the Federal Government would not condone or tolerate incendiary remarks capable of causing fear and spread hatred among the people, from any person or group of persons.
Buhari said that the Federal Government would continue to do its best to ensure security of lives and property in the country.
“At this point, I want to be very clear and equivocal, that the Federal Government will never condone or tolerate incendiary remarks from any person or group of persons, which are meant to harass, intimidate, cause fear and spread hate, no matter how highly placed such a person is.
“Law enforcement agencies should fish out people who make inciting statements, instigate civil disobedience, broadcast hate speeches or stir strife, riot and rebellion and bring them to book. We should continue to live together as brothers and sisters.”
The President called on the new graduates to look beyond leaders who had failed themselves and the nation but should choose their heroes from among those who believe in the progress of Nigeria and emulate those honest and hardworking in their professions.