In an effort to address hostile social media contents for political discussions among politicians, the former member House of Representatives, from Tarauni Federal Constituency, Kano, Hafizu Kawu, brings together social media users from different political parties, for healthier political development.
Under the auspices of Hafizu Kawu Media Team, in collaboration with the Council of Ulama of Nigeria, Kano State Chapter, a Two-Day Seminar on Social Media Summit and Sensitization, was organized, held at Islamic Forum of Nigeria National Headquarters, Kano, at the weekend.
The first effort of its kind by an individual politician in the state. At the Summit array of social media users were gathered from All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), among others.
A renowned Professor of Communication, Abdallah Uba Adamu, was the guest lecturer. After commending Kawu and the Council, for being proactive in addressing this ailing situation, as 2027 is approaching, he condemned misuse of social media by politicians.
“This effort will go a long way in addressing critical areas of mishandling the media, social media especially. We are delighted that, Council of Ulama is actively engaged in this important collaboration,” he commended.
Adding that, “Social media in itself is not harmful. But it is users that are mishandling the process. I am thrilled to see that, this Summit is organized to purposely aimed at reforming and promoting decency in modern political practices.”
The Chairman of the Kano Chapter of the Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, a gubernatorial candidate in the last general election, urged social media users to always know that, they are guided by a moral way of living, which is religion.
“Whoever believes in the Day of Reckoning must therefore watch his tongue and be careful on what to post or share to the public” he warned.
Experts from different backgrounds, made presentations while at the same time commending the organizers of the Summit. Calling on them to keep the momentum. At either quarterly basis or at some intervals.
Barrister Bashir Musaddique highlighted areas of defamation of character and other legal breaches for social media users, who are politically inclined to always be watchful.
“Those politicians sending you to defame people’s characters are only using you for their selfish ends. You should ask yourselves, why their children are not participating in such unwanted behaviors,” he warned.
While the Summit attracted social media users from across the state and political parties, as many of them from APC, PDP, NNPP and other parties attended, from the base of the Summit, Tarauni local government, almost all APC heavyweights were present.
Including party leaders, former legislators, former Chairmen and Councilors, former Commissioners and Advisers, among others.
Though the effort was initiated from Tarauni, but it attracted the attention of political parties across the state. Which makes the move to be for state benefit, as participants observed. An initiative, which, if managed properly, would be for public wellbeing and safer political environment.
As social media users from different parties were sighted exchanging banters, many observers believe that Hafizu Media Team and the Council, are deeply interested in promoting saner and safer political discussions among political actors in the state. While urging other politicians to copy from Kawu.