Hate Speech in Nigeria and Its Implication for National Cohesion
Okpara Onyekwere, Chukwu Ebere Mercy

Abstract
This paper investigates the use of hate speech in Nigeria. Data for the study were collected through questionnaire distribution. The population for the study was randomly drawn from academic staff, non-academic staff and students of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Nigeria. Results from data analysis reveal that majority of the respondents were aware of the use of hate speech in Nigeria and its negative consequences. Over 70% of the respondents indicated that economic hardship, maginalisation and the desire to demean and outwit others are among the reasons people use hate speech. Below 60% of the respondents indicated that hate speech has no effect on national unity/cohesion while over 60% of them said it could result in violence and under-development. Based on the above, the paper concludes that hate speech is a threat to national cohesion and development and therefore should be managed effectively.

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