SENATE SUMMONING BREKETE FAMILY RADIO HOST IS A DISPOSITION TOWARDS DICTATORSHIP

CITIZENS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENGAGE AND INTERROGATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

It was reported that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has summoned the host of the popular BREKETE FAMILY RADIO, Ahmed Isah regarding its interview of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who recently had a shouting bout with the Senate President, Godwill Akpabio on the floor of the Senate.

Ahmed Isah is a journalist who is performing a role that is provided for and protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The media as the 4th estate of the realm is a necessary desideratum for democracy to thrive by ensuring that the government and public officials are accountable to the people for every action and inaction.

Legislators are privileged to be in the Parliament because they were elected by the people. The power and authority they exercise was donated to them to use only for the benefit of the citizens, and not to harrass and intimidate the citizens and muffle free speech.

Intimidation of citizens who exercise their constitutional right to freedom of speech is a sure move towards dictatorship and authoritarianism where every dissent and opposition must be crushed.

Nigeria practices constitutional democracy and the National Assembly should and ought to be at the forefront of those encouraging free speech and accountability in governance. If the seat is too hot for public officials who cannot tolerate criticisms and subject themselves to the electorates, they should resign.

Kunle Edun, SAN

Chairman,

NBA CITIZENS’ ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE