Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari says social media is threatening to undermine national security, and has called for an end to hate speech.

In an address to mark Nigeria's independence day, President Buhari urged people to exercise restraint and tolerance when discussing religious and political issues.

His remarks come just a day after an activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, pleaded not guilty in court to several charges, including sharing information online that insulted or caused people to hate the president.

Whilst the Nigerian president is calling for tolerance, rights groups criticise his administration for a deteriorating human rights record, especially due to the use of deadly force against a now-banned Shia group.Critics accuse President Buhari of stifling dissent