AGF Fagbemi: Politicians who speak ill of Nigeria should never be allowed to lead

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has said politicians who tarnish Nigeria’s image for political gains should never be allowed to govern the country.

Fagbemi made this statement on Wednesday at the Abuja Social Media Summit.

Through his spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the minister urged Nigerians to use social media for national development and not to “damage the country’s image abroad”.

“No one should misuse their freedom of speech on social media to violate others’ rights which is becoming too common,” Fagbemi said.

He cautioned that we should be careful when talking about Nigeria, that political differences should not damage the country’s image globally.

“Only unpatriotic individuals or leaders will do that. Those who abuse their country for political reasons should never be allowed to lead it,” he said.

The AGF commended the theme of the summit, ‘Harnessing the Power of Social Media for National Development’ saying it is “apt and timely” as social media can either positively or negatively impact a country’s growth.

Fagbemi said Nigeria’s social media is thriving because the government is committed to freedom of speech.

“These platforms have also become a means of livelihood for young Nigerians to showcase their talents and make money,” he said.

But he urged citizens to be responsible online as the government is leading through various social support programmes.

Fagbemi also said social media can drive national development in e-commerce, digital payments, job creation and entrepreneurship. He mentioned its potential to promote tourism, transparency and civic engagement citing international examples like India’s digital initiatives, South Korea’s e-government and Kenya’s M-Pesa mobile payment system.

He also said the federal government through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is working to promote national unity and development by educating and engaging citizens with facts and information.

And he warned of the dangers of social media, misinformation, cybersecurity risks and digital divide. He called for government, civil society and private sector to work together to create a social media environment for national development.