The United Youth Movement for Better Nigeria (UYMBN) on Friday held a Social Media Awareness and Peace Advocacy Rally at Secretariat Junction, Jos, calling for an end to online bullying, political propaganda, and the rising wave of cyber hostility linked to recent political tensions in Plateau State.
Speaking during the rally, National Coordinator of the movement, Comrade Musa Joseph, said the objective of the gathering was to restore unity and responsible engagement on social media, particularly among Plateau youth who he said have become sharply divided along political lines.
“Our purpose this morning is to eradicate the level of toxicity on the social media space in Plateau State,” he stated. “Nigeria can only advance through unity and oneness, but we have seen political miscreants weaponize data and propaganda to spread baseless, malicious, and slanderous statements. Enough is enough.”
Comrade Musa said the rally was not about party politics but about safeguarding social harmony. He explained that the images of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, displayed on the rally banner symbolized the need for both political leaders to caution their supporters.
“We are calling on both leaders to tell their followers to stop the animosity we see online,” he said. “These are men whose combined strengths can drive Plateau’s development. What benefits the state if we destroy each other in their names?”
He emphasized that the group is nonpartisan and is working closely with regulatory institutions such as the Nigerian Police Force, DSS, National Human Rights Commission, and the Ministry of Justice to promote responsible digital citizenship. He called for a state law to regulate online conduct, stressing that freedom of expression must not become a tool for hate speech or misinformation.
Comrade Musa added that social media controversies over defection debates, political realignments, and propaganda were distracting youths from more pressing issues such as insecurity and governance.
“Politics is a choice, and realignment is constitutional,” he said. “Not everything should be politicized. Let us maintain decorum and focus on purposeful leadership.”
“I would like to charge other ministries on the Plateau to emulate the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman, who collaborates with youths and citizens, bringing ideas that project the state in growth and development. That should be the way forward.”
The youth leader also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointments given to Plateau indigenes and urged ministries to work more closely with young people to promote peace and development.
“We will take this message to the Governor and also to the APC National Chairman. Plateau must not be projected in bad light. Forgiveness and unity are the bedrock of a progressive society,” he added.
Youth Assembly Speaker Backs the Movement
Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter, Ambassador Daniel Dazan, called for the restoration of moral values and discipline among young people. He warned that political propaganda is destroying the social fabric of the state.
“It is high time we stopped using social media to divide ourselves,” Dazan said. “If you must insult someone on behalf of a political leader, then that leader has no value. We must unite and push Plateau forward.”
He called on the Plateau State House of Assembly to introduce laws guiding youth conduct on social media and encouraged more initiatives that promote peace-building.
“We have a future to inherit,” he said. “We cannot destroy that future before it even arrives. Unity, synergy, and peace must remain our priority.”
The United Youth Movement for Better Nigeria (UYMBN) also acknowledged the strides of Seyi Tinubu, their patron especially his efforts towards galvanizing the youths into participatory governance.
