Criticism of government is not a crime

From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, has said that it is not a crime to criticise the actions of the state government or its agencies.

This comes as the Lawyers’ Association has flayed the recent invitation of its former Secretary, Barr. Agu Chinedu, by the Imo State Police Command, over allegations of “criminal defamation and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace in the state”.

The Owerri NBA says that, while it recognises the statutory powers of the Nigeria Police to investigate complaints, the lawyers’ body is strongly opposed to the police lending itself as an instrument to gag, intimidate, or harass innocent citizens in the state.

The association insisted that criticism of government officials or agencies is not a crime.

In a statement signed by the Branch Secretary, Daniel O. Odiba, on Saturday, the lawyers’ body described the police action as “an attempt to use state machinery to stifle free speech”.

“While the NBA Owerri Branch recognises the statutory powers of the Police to investigate complaints, we strongly condemn any attempt, direct or indirect, to use the Police as an instrument to gag, harass, or intimidate citizens,” the statement read.

“The criticism of government, its agencies, or actors is not a crime. The deployment of state apparatus to stifle dissent is inimical to democracy and the rule of law,” it said.

According to the NBA, its Chairman, Chief Chris Ihentuge, has directed a monitoring team to follow the matter closely and ensure that Agu’s rights are protected.

“The Branch stands firmly for the rule of law, and the Chairman has directed a team from the Branch to monitor the process and ensure that his fundamental rights are fully respected as he honours the Police invitation,” Odiba stated.

The body further urged the Imo State Government and the Police hierarchy to avoid politicising law enforcement. “We call on the Imo State Government and the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the Police is not used as a tool to suppress free speech or civic engagement,” the statement added.