“Learn from critics, don’t attack them,” Deji Adeyanju applauds Tinubu, urges decriminalisation of defamation

Human rights activist and political analyst, Deji Adeyanju, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent remarks promoting political tolerance and freedom of expression, calling it “a bold and welcome departure from the culture of intolerance that has plagued Nigerian politics for years.”

In a public statement on Friday, Adeyanju specifically commended President Tinubu’s speech during his visit to Benue State, where the President urged politicians to “learn from critics and political rivals instead of attacking them.” He also referenced Tinubu’s instruction to security agencies not to punish the man who charged at him in Kaduna, calling the move “a defining moment in leadership.”

“I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his remarks in Benue State, urging politicians to show tolerance for critics and political rivals,” Adeyanju said. “His further directive to security agencies to refrain from punishing the individual who charged at him in Kaduna is highly commendable.”

Adeyanju emphasized the importance of democratic space and free speech in governance, noting, “It is important that leaders at all levels understand that democratic governance requires space for criticism and opposing views. This is a welcome departure from the culture of intolerance and abuse of power.”

He called on other national influencers to take a cue from the President’s message. “I urge religious leaders, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders to uphold the rights of Nigerians to speak freely, before and after speech,” he said.

On the role of law enforcement in political discourse, Adeyanju issued a strong warning: “The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies must immediately stop allowing themselves to be tools in the hands of the powerful to arrest, intimidate, or silence critics. The President has made it clear that we must learn from our critics, not persecute them.”

He went further to challenge President Tinubu to institutionalize his message by taking concrete legal steps. “I urge President Tinubu to lead the urgent and overdue charge to decriminalize defamation in Nigeria,” Adeyanju stated. “True democracy can only flourish when citizens enjoy both freedom of speech and freedom after speech.”

According to Adeyanju, this moment offers the Tinubu administration a unique opportunity to define its legacy on civil liberties. “The President now has a chance to move Nigeria beyond empty slogans about democracy and put in place enduring legal protections for critics, journalists, and ordinary citizens alike.”