President Bola Tinubu has promised to defend the right to free speech, urging security agents not to hound those criticizing his administration’s policies. In his Democracy Day speech at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the importance of tolerance and broad-mindedness in a democratic society. “Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” he said.
The President urged his political loyalists and lawmakers to value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might. He emphasized the importance of tolerance and broad-mindedness in legislative actions regarding speech and civil liberties. Tinubu’s speech comes amid concerns over the alleged violation of freedom of expression in Nigeria, with several journalists and individuals facing harassment and detention for criticizing his administration.
In recent times, journalists like Daniel Ojukwu, Adejuwon Soyinka, and Segun Olatunji have spent days in custody, sparking widespread condemnation from pro-democracy activists, professional bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria). These groups have described the trend as an ugly echo from the past, reminiscent of the dark years of military rule.
Tinubu’s pledge to uphold the right to free speech has been seen as a welcome development by many. In his speech, he emphasized that “our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.” The President also dismissed fears by the opposition that Nigeria was heading towards a one-party state.
The President’s commitment to defending free speech is significant, given the country’s history of military rule and the ongoing struggles of journalists and activists to exercise their right to free expression. While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, Tinubu emphasized that individuals should not face injustice for merely writing a bad report or calling him names. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the President’s words offer hope for a more tolerant and inclusive society.
