NOA Cautions Politicians Against Hate Speeches During Taraba LG Poll The Taraba State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has cautioned politicians and political parties against the use of hate speech and defamatory statements during campaigns ahead of the forthcoming local government council elections in the state. The State Director of NOA, Mallam Zakari Muhammad, gave the warning on Wednesday during the flag-off of voter education for the upcoming local government polls. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TASIEC) has fixed November 8 for the conduct of the local government elections across the 16 local government areas of the state. “It has become imperative that we caution against hate speech and defamatory statements during campaigns by prospective candidates,” Muhammad said. “Campaign messages should be straightforward and in line with democratic tenets and principles — devoid of personal at

The Taraba State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has cautioned politicians and political parties against the use of hate speech and defamatory statements during campaigns ahead of the forthcoming local government council elections in the state.

The State Director of NOA, Mallam Zakari Muhammad, gave the warning on Wednesday during the flag-off of voter education for the upcoming local government polls.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TASIEC) has fixed November 8 for the conduct of the local government elections across the 16 local government areas of the state.

"It has become imperative that we caution against hate speech and defamatory statements during campaigns by prospective candidates," Muhammad said. "Campaign messages should be straightforward and in line with democratic tenets and principles — devoid of personal attacks or insults against opponents or political parties.

"It is important to remember that elections are not a do-or-die affair. We must embrace the outcome of the process or seek redress through appropriate legal channels rather than taking the law into our own hands," he added.

Muhammad noted that voter sensitization was crucial in enabling citizens to exercise their voting rights effectively. He called on all Tarabans not only to participate actively in the election but also to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process.

The NOA director further assured that the agency would continue to collaborate with critical stakeholders — including security agencies, the media, religious and traditional leaders, and youth groups — to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

He commended TASIEC for its transparent handling of the election process and pledged NOA's continued monitoring to promote transparency, peace, and credibility in the exercise.

Muhammad also lauded Governor Agbu Kefas for his commitment to ensuring that local government elections are held as scheduled, noting that his leadership has brought an end to the era of caretaker chairmen and councillors in the state.

He added that Governor Kefas deserves commendation for his efforts in restoring peace and improving security across Taraba State.