As Nigeria’s general election draws nearer, it can be predicted that so many news blogs and websites would spring up. The purpose of most of these blogs and websites will be for ulterior motives, mainly to circulate fake news and to cause confusion among the populace.
NiRA, as the custodian of the .ng country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), will continually make sure that fake news does not thrive on the cyberspace using .ng domain names. We will continue to respond promptly to reports of abuse websites whose domain names are registered on .ng.
It is in our collective interest as a Nation, to see credible candidates emerge and go on to win in the various positions up for grabs in the 2019 elections.
As we all know, Nigeria is rich in diversity, with different ethnic groups and people at different social strata. The decision of individuals to support specific candidates should not breed rancor amongst families, friends and associates. Please avoid spreading unverified news and information that can breed disharmony.
If you do run into websites and domains that are being used to propagate fake news and hate speeches, do not hesitate to report them to the NIRA abuse address – abuse@nira.org.ng. On our part as the custodian of .ng country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), you can rest assured that we would do our best to urgently attend to these complaints.
Let me seize the opportunity to advise all NIRA members not to partake in Election Violence or irregularities. It is also a good idea not to engage in arguments pertaining to the election on social media groups, to avoid unnecessary rage at this time.
May the best candidates win.
I remain your President,
Rev’d Sunday Folayan
President, NIRA Executive Board