Citizens could express their opinions, criticize government actions, and engage in public discourse without fear of being silenced
By Ogu, Okechukwu Charles
For many years, successive governments in Abia State, despite their flaws, maintained a relatively calm political environment.
Citizens could express their opinions, criticize government actions, and engage in public discourse without fear of being silenced.
Unfortunately, that atmosphere of tolerance and democratic engagement appears to be eroding under the present Labour Party led administration.
In the past two and a half years, Abia State has witnessed an unsettling surge in legal hostilities between government officials and private citizens.
Ordinary individuals, journalists, and social commentators now face lawsuits simply for asking critical questions or making public contributions on issues of governance.
This disturbing trend of turning civic discourse into legal warfare is not just undemocratic, it poses a grave danger to the political and social health of the state.
Democracy thrives on criticism, not silence. Democracy was never designed to be comfortable for those in power.
It thrives when citizens speak, question, and hold leaders accountable.
When a government begins to use the courts as instruments of fear and intimidation, it undermines the very foundation of representative governance.
A democratic government should correct, not crush, engage, not intimidate, educate, not prosecute.
Leadership, by its very nature, invites scrutiny. The moment leaders begin to perceive every critic as an enemy, they lose the essence of public service and drift into authoritarianism masked in legality.
The Nigerian Constitution is explicit about the right of citizens to express themselves.
Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states clearly, “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”
Furthermore, Section 22 mandates the media to hold the government accountable to the people.
These provisions affirm that criticism of government is not a crime, it is a constitutional duty and a cornerstone of participatory governance.
When citizens are dragged to court for exercising these rights, the message is clear, freedom of speech is under siege.
Weaponizing the legal system against citizens carries serious consequences, both immediate and long term.
1. It creates erosion of public trust; when citizens feel targeted for speaking out, confidence in the government and its institutions collapses.
2. It creates a Culture of Fear; In Abia today, People become afraid to express better opinions, which automatically leads to silence and sycophancy rather than honest feedback.
3. It brings Stunted Development; Without public input and constructive criticism, policies risk becoming detached from reality.
4. It brings Negative Investment Climate; Investors seek politically stable and open societies. A state known for intimidation repels both local and foreign investors.
5. It creates Public resentment; Suppressed voices eventually erupt in anger. Silencing dissent voice does not end disagreement, it only delays it, often with explosive consequences.
But However, no leader enjoys being misquoted or defamed, and no one supports reckless falsehoods.
Litigation should be the last resort, not the first weapon of defense.
The government can adopt more civil and productive approaches to protect its reputation without undermining citizens’ rights.
The Government can adopt Public Clarifications, by responding to falsehoods through official statements, press briefings, or verified media platforms.
They can Dialogue and Engage. It is also possible to Invite individuals or groups spreading misinformation for dialogue and clarification, not necessarily for settlement.
The Government can Build Media Literacy Campaigns. It is incumbent on the Government to educate citizens on responsible use of social media and factual reporting.
The Government should as a matter of urgency raise a crisis communication Team, establish a professional communication unit that monitors and addresses public concerns promptly.
Abia State stands at a delicate point in its democratic journey.
The choice before the government is simple but profound.
To continue down the path of intimidation and fear, or to embrace openness, dialogue, and constitutional respect.
History does not remember those who silenced their people, it celebrates those who listened.
The government must remember that power is transient, but the consequences of suppressing free speech can last for generations.
If truly the current administration came to serve the people, then it must allow the people to speak, freely, boldly, and without fear.
That is the spirit of democracy, and that is the path to a healthier and stronger Abia State.
Ogu, Okechukwu Charles, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Umuogu Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Note: The views canvassed in this write up is that of the author. They does not in anyway represent that of Isuikwuato Voice editorial team.