From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Human Rights Lawyer and Activist, Deji Adeyanju, has faulted the criminalization of defamation, tasking President Bola Tinubu to address the legal cap, to ensure freedom before and after speech in Nigeria.
Adeyanju who made this call on Saturday in Abuja while reacting to the President recent visit to Benue and Kaduna States, noted that true democracy can only flourish when citizens enjoy both freedom of speech and freedom after speech.
Commending Tinubu for his remarks in Benue State, and urging politicians to show tolerance for critics and political rivals, Adeyanju applauded the President for directing security agencies to refrain from punishing the individual who charged at him in Kaduna State.
“It is important that leaders at all levels understand that democratic governance requires space for criticism and opposing views.
“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.
“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 added.