President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked Democracy Day with a strong defence of free speech, declaring that no Nigerian should suffer injustice for criticising him or writing unflattering reports.
Speaking during a special address at the National Assembly to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, Tinubu emphasised that democratic leadership requires tolerance for dissent — even when it comes in the form of harsh words.
The president urged lawmakers to resist the temptation to suppress criticism, stressing that dialogue, persuasion, and openness must guide the country’s democratic journey.
“No one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names,” Tinubu told the gathering of lawmakers. “Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults.
“Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” he said.
He added that even the fiercest opponents sometimes offer the most valuable insights.
“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.”
While condemning malicious slander and libel, Tinubu warned against creating a culture of fear and repression.
“The imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term,” he said.
The president also called for an inclusive political environment and urged lawmakers to be “tolerant and broad-minded” in legislating on matters of speech and civil liberties.
“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive,” he concluded. “And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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