Free speech is inalienable right – Foundation

The Rule of Law Development Foundation has described freedom of expression as a right that cannot be denied the people under the pretext of outlawing hate speech.  This position was taken after a seminar hosted by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jospeh Daudu (SAN) titled: ‘Striking a balance between free speech as […]

The Rule of Law Development Foundation has described freedom of expression as a right that cannot be denied the people under the pretext of outlawing hate speech. 

This position was taken after a seminar hosted by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jospeh Daudu (SAN) titled: ‘Striking a balance between free speech as an inalienable fundamental right or is it an often-abused privilege’, in Abuja on Friday. 

The chairman of the dialogue, Assam Assam (SAN) criticized the federal government for attempting to strangulate free speech without clear legislation explaining the nature of the offence. 

“Free speech is an absolute inalienable right. That is what distinguishes us from animals. No legislation should take it away,” he said. 

He however called for corresponding law to tackle excesses in the right. 

In his presentation, Prof Nnamdi Adibua of the Faculty of Law, University of Jos, called for increased funding for education and enlightenment in the society to check abuse of freedom of expression and brainwashing of the youths. 

Also speaking, Alex Izinyon (SAN) called on the elite to speak out against purveyors of hate, while tasking the media to regulate the reportage of hate speech.