Video Trends As Tinubu Taunts Critics, Promises to Defend Free Speech: “Call Me Names”
- President Tinubu has stirred fresh debate as he defended free speech and cautioned security agencies against harassing citizens who criticised his administration
- In a video making the rounds online, Tinubu maintained that no one should suffer injustice for calling him or any government official names
- Speaking at the joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, Tinubu advised the lawmakers to be tolerant and broad-minded in their legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements
FCT, Abuja - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s security agencies not to harass citizens for criticising his government, reaffirming his commitment to protecting democratic rights, particularly the right to free speech.
Source: Facebook
Speaking at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja during his Democracy Day address on Thursday, June 12, Tinubu said criticism, even of perceived unpleasant policies must be tolerated in a democratic society.
The president 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.”
Source: Facebook
Buttressing is point, Tinubu pledged to continue upholding Nigerians’ right to free speech and urged lawmakers and political loyalists to value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might,Channels TV reported.
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.”
Watch the video below:
Read more about Tinubu, Democracy here:
- National honours' list: Presidency tenders apology after major error
- Shehu Sani lists northerners who participated in June 12 struggle
- Full list of prominent Nigerians Tinubu gives awards to on Democracy Day
- Breaking: National Assembly Declares June 12 As Presidential Address Day
- June 12: After 32 years, activists, coalition send message to Tinubu, “Remember their sacrifice”
Atiku, Obi lament as Tinubu speaks on democracy day
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president of Nigeria, has lamented the decline in democratic values in the country.
Like Atiku, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, decried that Nigeria can no longer be described as a democratic nation.
Atiku and Obi's comments came amid President Bola Tinubu's message on Democracy Day as the country marked its 26 years of democratic system.
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Source: Legit.ng
