President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday marked Democracy Day with a firm defence of free speech, declaring that no Nigerian should suffer injustice for criticising him or publishing unfavourable reports.
Speaking at a special Democracy Day session at the National Assembly in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that democratic governance requires tolerance for dissent, including harsh criticism and public scrutiny.
“No one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names,” the president said. “Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults.”
He urged legislators to avoid suppressing critical voices and instead promote open dialogue and inclusion in the country’s democratic process.
“Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” Tinubu said.
While acknowledging the potential harm of slander and libel, the president warned against creating an atmosphere of fear and repression. He noted that silencing dissent could erode public trust and undermine democratic institutions.
“The imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term,” he said.
Tinubu also encouraged lawmakers to be broad-minded in their legislative responsibilities, particularly in matters relating to civil liberties and freedom of expression.
“Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you,” he said. “Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents.”
Concluding his address, the president reaffirmed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive,” he said. “And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.”
Nzubechukwu Eze
