Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi warns politicians against “demarketing” Nigeria on social media, stating they are unfit to lead. Speaking at the Abuja Social Media Summit, he emphasizes the need for responsible discourse, unity, and collaboration to harness social media for national development while addressing its inherent challenges.
In a passionate address at the Abuja Social Media Summit, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, voiced strong concerns about politicians who "demarket" Nigeria on social media. He stated that such behavior undermines the nation’s image and disqualifies individuals from holding leadership positions in the country.
Fagbemi emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and patriotism, urging politicians to avoid disparaging their nation, especially in the public domain. “Political differences should not lead to the de-marketing of Nigeria on the international stage,” he asserted. “Those who speak ill of their country to settle political disputes should never have the opportunity to lead.”
The summit, themed “Harnessing the Power of Social Media for National Development,” provided a platform for discussing how social media can contribute to Nigeria’s growth. Fagbemi called for collective efforts to transform Nigeria into a stronger nation, free from divisive rhetoric. He noted that while social media offers avenues for transparency, civic engagement, and information dissemination, it also presents challenges like misinformation, cybersecurity threats, and a digital divide.
He urged stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in creating an environment conducive to social media-driven national development. Fagbemi highlighted the need for responsible use of social media, stating, “We must weigh our words before uttering them, as once they are spoken, they cannot be taken back.”
In his conclusion, Fagbemi reiterated the administration’s commitment to moving Nigeria forward under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing the role of social media in fostering national unity and progress while discouraging harmful narratives that can hinder the nation’s development.
