President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a robust defense of free speech during his Democracy Day address at the National Assembly on Wednesday, declaring that no Nigerian should face persecution for criticizing him or publishing unfavorable reports.
Speaking to lawmakers during the June 12 commemoration, Tinubu emphasized that democratic leadership demands tolerance for dissent—even when expressed through harsh criticism. He urged legislators to reject suppression of opposing views, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must thrive on open dialogue and persuasion.
“No one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names,” Tinubu told the gathering. “Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults.”
Reaffirming his commitment to free expression, he added: “Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.”
The president acknowledged that constructive criticism, even from adversaries, strengthens governance. “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,” he said.
While condemning defamation and malicious falsehoods, Tinubu cautioned against stifling dissent, warning that repression breeds long-term instability. “The imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term,” he stated.
He called for an inclusive political culture, urging lawmakers to approach legislation on speech and civil liberties with openness. “Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive,” Tinubu declared. “And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.”
The speech marked a notable stance on civil liberties amid growing concerns about press freedom and political expression in Nigeria. Tinubu’s remarks aligned with the symbolic significance of June 12, which commemorates Nigeria’s democratic struggle and the 1993 annulled election widely regarded as the freest in the country’s history.