Human rights activist and lawyer, Barr. Deji Adeyanju, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the order to security chiefs to address the insecurity in Benue State and the country at large.
Reacting to the president’s recent remarks in Benue State urging politicians to show tolerance for criticisms and political rivals, Adeyanju applauded the president over the directive to security agencies to refrain from punishing the individual who charged at him in Kaduna.
He also urged Tinubu to lead the charge to decriminalise defamation and ensure free speech without fear.
Adeyanju, who spoke in Abuja yesterday, said true democracy could only flourish when citizens enjoy freedom of speech.
“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 said.
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