Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, says politicians who speak ill of Nigeria to settle political differences should never be allowed to lead the country.
Fagbemi spoke on Wednesday at the Abuja social media summit.
The minister, represented by Kamarudeen Ogundele, his spokesperson, noted that Nigerians should use social media to contribute to national development and not to “de-market our country on the international stage”.
“No individual should use his freedom of speech on social media to infringe upon the rights of another, as it is fast becoming the order of the day,” he said.
“We must also be careful of what we say about our country. Political differences should not make us de-market our country on the international stage.
“Only unpatriotic citizens or leaders will choose to do so. Those who speak ill of their country to settle political differences should never have the opportunity to lead the same country at any stage.”
The AGF commended the theme of the event—’Harnessing the power of social media for national development’—noting that it was “apt and timely because it is an aspect of modernised communication that can make or mar a country.”
