Activist lauds Tinubu’s tolerance, urges end to crackdown on free speech
By Ukpono Ukpong
Human rights activist and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his public show of tolerance in recent outings, particularly his statements in Benue State and actions following an incident in Kaduna.
Adeyanju, however, urged the President to take a bold step further by ending the systemic crackdown on free speech and decriminalizing defamation in Nigeria.
In a press statement issued in Abuja, Adeyanju said, “I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his remarks in Benue State, urging politicians to show tolerance for critics and political rivals. His further directive to security agencies to refrain from punishing the individual who charged at him in Kaduna. It is important that leaders at all levels understand that democratic governance requires space for criticism and opposing views.”
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He noted that Tinubu’s recent posture marks a “welcome departure from the culture of intolerance and abuse of power” that has previously characterized Nigeria’s political climate.
He called on political, traditional, and religious leaders to take a cue from the President’s message and promote the right of citizens to express themselves freely.
“This is a welcome departure from the culture of intolerance and abuse of power. I urge religious leaders, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders to take a cue from the President’s message and uphold the rights of Nigerians to speak freely, before and after speech,” he stated.
Adeyanju, however, warned that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies must also align themselves with this democratic shift by halting arbitrary arrests and intimidation of dissenting voices. According to him, continued misuse of law enforcement undermines the essence of democracy.
“The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies must immediately stop allowing themselves to be tools in the hands of the powerful to arrest, intimidate, or silence critics. The President has made it clear that we must learn from our critics, not persecute them,” he declared.
The activist concluded by urging Tinubu to lead a national reform that decriminalizes defamation, arguing that freedom of speech must not end at the point of expression but must also protect individuals after they speak.
“Finally, I urge President Tinubu to lead the urgent and overdue charge to decriminalize defamation in Nigeria. True democracy can only flourish when citizens enjoy both freedom of speech and freedom after speech,” he added.
Adeyanju’s statement comes at a time when journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens continue to face legal threats and arrests over opinions considered critical of government or public officials.
