President Bola Tinubu asked Nigeria’s security agencies on Thursday not to harass citizens who criticise his administration, confirming his commitment to defending democratic rights, notably the right to free expression.
During his Democracy Day speech at Abuja’s National Assembly Complex, the president stated that criticism, even of perceived unpleasant policies, must be permitted in a free society.
He said, “Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you.
“Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents, if they think well, though. We do not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.
“While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names.”
Tinubu vowed to continue upholding Nigerians’ right to free speech, saying, “Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults.
“Call me any names. I’m not here to make you happy politically, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.”
Tinubu charged lawmakers and political loyalists to value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might.
He said, “We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.
“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.”
Tinubu also dismissed insinuations that his administration is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state, insisting that the All Progressives Congress remains a political platform open to all Nigerians, including members of opposition parties.
However, he stated that he takes pleasure in seeing opposition parties in disarray and has no plans to help them organise themselves.
“For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. “It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” he said.
