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| Tinubu defends speech rights despite public insults. |
He said no one should face jail for calling him names. He asked his loyalists to choose talk over force. He said rights matter more than might. He urged broad minds and open debate .
In the first two years of his term, at least three journalists—Daniel Ojukwu, Adejuwon Soyinka, and Segun Olatunji—spent days in custody for critical posts online. Pro-democracy groups like the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the International Press Institute warned this trend echoes past military rule .
Tinubu’s vow came amid fears his government might push a one-party state. He dismissed those fears. He said the ruling party remains open to all Nigerians. He even joked he enjoys seeing the opposition in disarray but pledged not to stop their voice .
Experts say Tinubu’s pledge can rebuild trust if he follows through. Civil liberties advocates note that live arrests under the Cybercrime Act still worry writers and bloggers. They call for clear rules to curb slander without silencing valid views.
A human rights lawyer, speaking off record, says the president’s words must turn into action. She notes swift release of peaceful critics and clear press rules. She warns that vague laws still risk uneven abuse.
Some citizens cheered the speech on social media. One user wrote that leaders must welcome tough feedback. Another said free speech will boost creative ideas and job growth.
Others pointed to rising online arrests. They call on Tinubu to set up a review panel on media laws. They urge repeal of sections that let agents seize phones and detain people without charge.
Tinubu tied free speech to national progress. He said harsh words can bring good ideas. He noted that the best advice sometimes comes from fierce critics. He urged lawmakers to protect every citizen’s right to speak without fear .
He spoke of democracy as a journey since 1999. He praised past heroes like MKO Abiola and those who fought for June 12. He said each debate in parliament weaves democracy deeper into Nigeria’s fabric .
On policy, Tinubu listed steps to modernize media laws. He pledged to set clear guidelines on defamation and hate speech. He proposed a citizen-led council to review arrests under digital laws. He said this would curb abuse while blocking harmful lies.
He then turned to economic growth. He said open talk of policy boosts investor confidence. He said Nigeria needs fresh ideas on power, roads, and jobs. He urged free flow of views to spark smart solutions.
The president closed with a call to unity. He said democracy lives when voices join in respect. He said every Nigerian shares the dream of a strong, happy nation. He said that dream is still within reach and worth fighting for.