President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has addressed his critics directly, affirming his unwavering commitment to protecting free speech—even when it is directed against him.
Speaking before a joint session of the National Assembly during Democracy Day celebrations, Tinubu urged lawmakers and Nigerians alike to embrace tolerance, dialogue, and democratic values in the face of rising political tensions and public dissent.
“While slander and libel must not go unaddressed, no one should suffer injustice for simply writing a negative report about me or calling me names,” he said.
“Call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.”
The president’s comments come amid growing online criticism and dissatisfaction with his administration’s policies, particularly regarding economic and security issues. However, Tinubu made it clear that dissent is not a threat to democracy, but a vital part of it.
He called on the National Assembly to prioritize persuasion over suppression, urging leaders to resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than force.
“We must prefer dialogue to dictatorship, persuasion to suppression, and rights to might,” he said.
Tinubu’s remarks serve as both a message to his critics and a broader call for mature democratic engagement, as Nigeria continues to navigate complex political and social challenges.
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