Call Me Names, I’ll Still Defend Your Right,’ Tinubu Tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged Nigeria’s security agencies not to harass citizens for criticising his government, reaffirming his commitment to protecting democratic rights, particularly the right to free speech.

Speaking at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja during his Democracy Day address, the President said criticism—even of perceived unpleasant policies—must be tolerated in a democratic society.

He said, “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, if they think well, though. We do not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.

“While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names.”

Tinubu pledged to continue upholding Nigerians’ right to free speech, saying, “Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults.

“Call me any names. I’m not here to make you happy politically and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.”

Tinubu urged lawmakers and political loyalists to value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might.

He said, “We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.

“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.”

PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu also dismissed insinuations that his administration is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state, insisting that the All Progressives Congress remains a political platform open to all Nigerians, including members of opposition parties.

However, he admitted that he takes pleasure in seeing opposition parties in disarray and has no plans to help them organise themselves.

“For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” he said.

Punch