Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements

FCT, Abuja - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has 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 on Thursday, June 12, Tinubu said criticism, even of perceived unpleasant policies must be tolerated in a democratic society.

The president 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.”

Buttressing is point, Tinubu pledged to continue upholding Nigerians’ right to free speech and urged lawmakers and political loyalists to value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might,Channels TV reported.

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.”

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Read more about Tinubu, Democracy here:

In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president of Nigeria, has lamented the decline in democratic values in the country.

Like Atiku, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, decried that Nigeria can no longer be described as a democratic nation.

Atiku and Obi's comments came amid President Bola Tinubu's message on Democracy Day as the country marked its 26 years of democratic system.

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Source: Legit.ng