{"id":119933,"date":"2025-06-21T21:10:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-21T20:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=119933"},"modified":"2025-06-21T21:10:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-21T20:10:33","slug":"decriminalise-defamation-uphold-freedom-of-speech-adeyanju-tells-tinubu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/exclusive\/decriminalise-defamation-uphold-freedom-of-speech-adeyanju-tells-tinubu\/","title":{"rendered":"Decriminalise Defamation, Uphold Freedom of Speech, Adeyanju Tells Tinubu"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja<\/div>\n
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Prominent human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has called on President Bola Tinubu to spearhead the decriminalisation of defamation in Nigeria, as part of broader efforts to strengthen democracy and uphold freedom of speech in the country.<\/div>\n
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Adeyanju made the call on Saturday in Abuja, praising recent remarks by President Tinubu where he urged political leaders to exercise greater tolerance towards critics and dissenting voices. He said the President\u2019s comments signal a positive shift in attitude but must be matched with concrete legal reforms.<\/div>\n
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\u201cDemocracy thrives on the ability of citizens to speak freely without fear of persecution. Freedom of speech must include freedom after speech,\u201d Adeyanju stated.<\/div>\n
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He specifically urged President Tinubu to lead an urgent campaign to abolish criminal defamation laws, which have been widely criticised as outdated and prone to abuse. According to Adeyanju, these laws are often exploited by security agencies and powerful individuals to harass journalists, activists, and political opponents under the guise of protecting reputation.<\/div>\n
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\u201cSecurity agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), should no longer be tools for intimidating or silencing government critics,\u201d he added.<\/div>\n
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The human rights lawyer noted that while Tinubu\u2019s recent public statements encouraging political tolerance are commendable, they will remain symbolic unless followed by actionable steps to protect civil liberties and discourage the misuse of state institutions against dissenting voices.<\/div>\n
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President Tinubu, during recent visits to Benue and Kaduna States, had emphasised the importance of tolerating opposing views, even as he personally intervened to prevent the arrest of an individual who had approached him closely during a public event in Kaduna.<\/div>\n
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Observers believe Adeyanju\u2019s call reflects growing demands from civil society groups, legal experts, and media organisations for Nigeria to reform its laws in line with international human rights standards.<\/div>\n
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The debate around defamation laws has intensified in recent years, with several high-profile cases of journalists and activists facing prosecution for critical comments directed at government officials and political figures.<\/div>\n
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Adeyanju concluded by urging the National Assembly to team up with the executive to repeal criminal defamation laws\u00a0 and reinforce Nigeria\u2019s commitment to democracy and human rights.<\/div>\n
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