By Rafiu Ajakaye 

LAGOS, Nigeria

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo Thursday warned that hate speech would be considered as an act of terrorism in the country.

"The intimidation of a population by words, by speech is an act of terrorism and this government intends to take this matter very seriously,” Osinbajo said at a security and economic summit in the capital Abuja.

“The Federal Government has today drawn the line on hate speech… The law, that is the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended), defines terrorism as inter alia, an act which deliberately done with malice which may seriously harm or damage a country or seriously intimidate a population,” he added.

The law provides for life imprisonment for acts of terrorism especially if deaths occur from such action. Aiding and abetting terrorism act carries a maximum of 10 years, or stiff fine, depending on the circumstances.

The warning came amid rising hate speeches targeting different ethnic groups.

Last week, a song depicting ethnic Igbo as a liability to the country trended on the social media, triggering criticisms and apprehension across the country. The song came on the heels of an ultimatum some northern youths gave to Igbo to leave their region by October or face the consequences.

The ultimatum followed what the youths call the alleged secessionist tendencies of the ethnic Igbo as well as hate speeches championed by the Nnamdi Kanu’s Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a failure of Igbo leaders to stop the alleged disparaging speeches against other tribes.

The acting president warned all the groups to stop any activities or speeches capable of inciting people to ethno-religious violence or face prosecution.

"Hate speech, and the promotion of the same throughout history from Nazi Germany and the extermination of Jews to the Rwandan genocide succeeded in achieving their barbarous ends by the silence of influential, voices from the aggressor communities,” according to the leader.

“When leaders in communities that speak in such a manner as to create dissension or to intimidate a population are quiet, they do a great disservice to our unity and nation,” he added.