Keyamo condemns killing of US activist, Charlie Kirk

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the killing of United States activist, Charlie Kirk.

Keyamo in a post shared on X noted that Charlie’s death is a significant lesson for Nigerians.

Charlie, 31, was a conservative figure known for open debates on controversial topics such as Christianity, abortion, and ‘woke’ culture. He died after being shot in the neck while hosting an event at Utah Valley University in the United States by an alleged 22-year-old, Tyler Robinson.

His death has since sparked heated conversations, tributes, and reactions from world leaders across the globe.

Keyamo, in his post, urged Nigerians to be mindful of their words and actions in political discourse.

“The things we say and post in our intellectual contestations over political issues in our country can unwittingly rile others up to take extreme actions. Let us therefore eschew threats of violence, bigotry and hate speeches in these exchanges because anyone can end up as the victim.

“It is extreme cowardice to threaten, abuse or humiliate others who do not agree with your political views or do not worship your political demi gods. A resort to abuse or threats or even personal attacks is a sign that you have lost the intellectual contestation. You cannot force others in a free democracy to accept your point of view through threats of violence or intimidation.

“This is not just a subtle message to one side of the political divide alone. It is a direct message to all of us in Government, in the ruling party, in opposition parties, in civil society and generally everyone in the political space,” Keyamo had written.