The singing duo Mamuzee Twins have launched a campaign to curb fake news in the society, saying it destroys images, personalities and businesses.
The duo say they have been victims of fake and unverified news in the past, stating that the pain and frustration is enormous.
They allegedly failed to take care of their mother which led to her death in 2018, an allegations they said almost tore them apart. This they said necessitated the campaign to get the Nigerian society rid of fake news.
With the hashtag, Say No To Fake News, the entertainers also seek severe sanctions for carriers and spreaders of hate and fake news to serve as deterrence to others.
In a viral video, they say the campaign has become necessary especially as Nigeria proceeds into an election year, noting that a conducive atmosphere devoid of hate and antagonism is required to have a peaceful election.
They are also seeking a legislative framework that will serve as a disincentive in the manufacturing and spreading of fake news to keep the society sanitized.
"FAKE NEWS destroys not just the victims, mental or physical health but his or her total well being and life. If you have been a victim of fake news , then you will understand the grave pain, shame and discomfort it brings and courses not just to you but your family, friends and well wishers" the twins stated.
They further decried a situation where some bloggers, social media trolls, haters, journalists and reporters are benefitting from the pain of others by assisting in the spread of unverified information through their various media platforms, calling for an end to such.
They say if efforts are not intensified to deal with the culture of spreading fake news, it will breed a lot of strife, anger, acrimony, hate, bitterness and injury to the society.
"If we do not put a STOP to this menace NOW we would all one day wake up to a nation of bitterness and strife.
"Fake News hurts Everybody and it's just a matter of time you too will have your own doze of the pain" they said.
While noting that families, homes, marriages and relationships have been destroyed because of spread of fake news, MamuZee Twins therefore appealed for caution to media workers and social media influencers to ensure they verify reports before going ahead to share same.
Fake news has been identified to be a great enabler of inter-communal conflict and killings in Nigeria and West African sub-region.
It also involves the doctoring of videos and photographs of events that took place in foreign lands to make it look like a recent event that took place in a country, thereby stimulating angry reactions.
#saynotofakenews
#fakenewspropargatorsmustbepunnished
#mamuzeetwinssaysbesurebeforeyouspreadrumors
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