Adeyanju Commends Tinubu Over Political Tolerance , Urges Decriminalization Of Defamation

Human rights activist and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his recent remarks urging political tolerance and restraint from security agencies in the face of criticism and dissent.

Speaking during a public visit to Benue State earlier this week, President Tinubu made headlines when he called on politicians to embrace criticism and not attack their opponents.

The President also directed security operatives to avoid punishing the individual who charged at him during a public event in Kaduna—a move many saw as a sign of maturity and democratic leadership.

Reacting in a statement issued on Saturday and shared with THE WHISTLER, Adeyanju commended the President for what he described as a “welcome departure from the culture of intolerance and abuse of power.”

“I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his remarks during his visit to Benue State, where he urged politicians to exhibit greater tolerance toward critics and political opponents,” Adeyanju said.

“His directive to security agencies to refrain from taking punitive action against the individual who charged at him in Kaduna is a significant step toward promoting democratic values.”

Adeyanju, a vocal advocate for civil liberties and freedom of expression, used the opportunity to call on all segments of Nigerian leadership—including religious figures, traditional authorities, and political elites—to emulate the President’s example.

“Leaders at all levels must understand that democratic governance thrives on openness, accountability, and a willingness to accommodate dissenting voices,” he said.

“I call on religious leaders, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders across the country to commit to protecting the constitutional rights of Nigerians to speak freely — both before and after expressing their views.”

The activist also had strong words for security agencies, which he accused of acting at the behest of the powerful to silence dissent.

“The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies must desist from being used as instruments to harass, intimidate, or silence citizens who voice critical opinions. The President’s words are clear: we must learn from our critics, not persecute them,” Adeyanju stated.

Adeyanju called on President Tinubu to spearhead the campaign to decriminalize defamation in Nigeria, describing it as a key step in advancing democratic freedoms.

Nigeria currently retains criminal defamation laws under various penal codes, which critics argue are used to stifle press freedom and civic engagement. Calls for reform have grown in recent years, especially amid crackdowns on journalists and online commentators.

“I strongly urge President Tinubu to lead the long-overdue effort to decriminalize defamation in Nigeria. In a true democracy, the guarantee of freedom of speech must be matched by the assurance of freedom after speech,” he emphasized.

Adeyanju Commends Tinubu Over Political Tolerance , Urges Decriminalization Of Defamation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper