Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai has denied that his government is muzzling the media and impinging on the rights of people to free speech.
He denied the accusation in a message to the opening of a workshop on conflict prevention and peace building for civil society organisations organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the United Nations Development Programme.
El-Rufai who was represented by his media aide, Samuel Aruwan, however said the administration would not accept any report that incites violence and ignites crisis in the state.
“Contrary to the false assertions from some quarters, the government of Kaduna state does not seek to muzzle the free press or journalists in the performance of their duty.
“As a government, it is our constitutional mandate to protect against actions that disrupt the society such as irresponsible journalism that spread falsehood, publishes inciting stories and turn our people against one another.
“I am convinced that the active participation of Civil Society Organizations in conflict prevention, resolution and peace building will help the government in fostering harmonious living and peaceful co-existence in our country.
“We must all rise against voices that promote division and those who promote hate speeches which incites people to violence against those they differ from.
“People must learn to tolerate one another and respect others even when they differ on political ideology, religion or tribe,’’ he said.
Earlier in his address, the Director General of the Institute, Professor Oshita Oshita, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and help to build a strong and united country.
He said that the workshop was to build the capacity of CSOs for continuous dialogue, collaboration and peace building across the country.
In her goodwill message, Mrs Hannatu Ibrahim, a peace ambassador, said civil societies must compliment government in its peace building efforts.
According to her, individuals and communities must also learn to dialogue in addressing contentious issues among them.
