In defence of free speech

THE removal of Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate marks a troubling escalation in the systematic suppression of dissent and free speech. Ndume (Borno South, APC), known for his vocal criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, was removed from his position on July 17.

His ousting was precipitated by his public remarks criticising Tinubu’s leadership and calling attention to the administration’s failings, particularly its handling of the economy. In response, the All Progressives Congress demanded Ndume’s resignation from the party, labelling his comments as “propaganda” and “unbecoming of a member of the APC caucus.”

The swift replacement of Ndume with Tahir Monguno as the CW and the assignment of Ndume to chair the Senate Committee on Tourism underscore the punitive nature of this move.

Ndume did not lie. There is hunger in the land, and the President seems too detached from the people.

In a democratic society, free speech and dissent are not just fundamental rights but are crucial to the health and progress of a country.

The response to Ndume’s ousting has been loud. Labour leaders, activists, and ordinary Nigerians have all condemned the action as a blatant attempt to stifle free speech. They argue that silencing critics, especially those within the government, sets a dangerous precedent. It sends a clear message that dissent is not tolerated, which can have a chilling effect on other lawmakers and the public.

Under Tinubu, the National Assembly, led by Godswill Akpabio (Senate) and Tajudeen Abbas (House of Representatives), has brazenly subjugated itself to the executive, charged with being a ‘rubber stamp’ parliament.

Together, the arms of government have shown a troubling pattern of repressing free speech.

In March, the Senate summarily suspended Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central, PDP) for three months after an interview. Ningi alleged that the 2024 budget was padded with N3.7 trillion for projects without location. Instead of defending itself, the Senate clamped down on Ningi who alleged that the executive paid some ranking senators N500 million each for constituency projects. He was recalled after 77 days.

Journalists, activists, and even ordinary citizens have faced harassment, intimidation, and arrest for expressing dissenting views. The government has often used law enforcement agencies to suppress opposition and silence critics.

Furthermore, the administration has been accused of leveraging law enforcement to stifle protests and demonstrations.

The implications of these actions extend far beyond the corridors of power in Abuja. The suppression of free speech and political dissent threatens the very fabric of democracy. It discourages open debate and critical scrutiny. When elected representatives are punished for speaking out, it sends a chilling message to all Nigerians.

This, in turn, can result in poor governance, corruption, and a gross disconnect between the government and the governed.

This offers further proof that Nigeria’s democracy is unstable. In the 2024 Fragile States Index, the Fund for Peace ranks Nigeria 15th out of 180 countries with a score of 96.6. Norway ranks first with 12.7.

Therefore, the Tinubu administration and the NASS must recommit to upholding democratic values, including the right to free speech and dissent. They should cease the subtle attempts to silence critics. Criticism provides valuable feedback and helps the government improve its policies and governance.

Civil society organisations and the media have a crucial role in holding the government accountable and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.

Nigerians’ collective responsibility is to defend the principle of free speech and ensure that the country remains a beacon of democracy in Africa. The government must realise that dissent is not a threat but a vital component of a healthy democracy. Only by embracing and respecting diverse opinions can Nigeria truly thrive.