There is freedom of speech, but I cannot guarantee freedom after speech- Idi Amin

Several criticisms have trailed the policies of the Buhari-led administration, as most of them have posed a serious threat to the nation’s economic growth. Owing to the present economic downturn that has the struck the nation, experts have raised alarm over the loopholes in President Buhari’s policies and called for a review of these policies in order to revive the dwindling economy.

However, indications have shown that criticising President Buhari’s policies could lead people to persecution, revealing a major problem with democracy and with the present government – a constraint on the freedom of speech.

According to a report by The Sun, the Presidency is set to probe the two former governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Sanusi Lamido and Prof. Charles Soludo. The probe hinges on the management of CBN ‘surplus’ finances by Sanusi and the printing of Naira notes under the authorisation of Soludo.

Coincidentally, the duo have criticised President Buhari’s economic policies, calling for a review. Earlier, Sanusi stressed that this administration might end up like the former if it fails to review its policies and fulfil its campaign promises.

“They have to retrace those steps all the way. We should not fall into the same trap we fell the last time when the government was always right. If this government continues to behave the way the last government behaved, it will end up where Jonathan ended,” he said last week.

On the other hand, Soludo asked the present administration to stop playing the blame game and concentrate on fixing the nation’s economy. “All it has been doing is blame PDP, blame oil prices, blame corruption, which is fair enough…Convinced Nigerians that those were the problems of the country and, therefore, Nigerians decided to give APC the mandate to fix them. So, you cannot continue to blame the PDP.”

Although the Presidency has denied that the probe is in connection with the criticisms offered by these two, it seems such a rare coincidence that it is going after them so shortly after their condemnation of its policies.

More ‘talkers’ get probed

In the same vein, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has also launched an investigation on Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, over an alleged connection with #Dasukigate.  The allegation was based on the N1.21billion that was traced to the governor’s Zenith Bank account.

Governor Ayodele Fayose is well known for his intense criticism of Buhari’s government and its policies. The governor has also noted that he will not stop criticising President Buhari’s bad policies.

The EFCC also received an order to arrest Femi Fani Kayode (FFK), who is also a major critic of the current government. Evidence of his involvement in money laundering was provided by the anti-graft agency. FFK was remanded by the EFCC for several days, until the court ordered his release.

These arrests then raised questions as to why Governor Olusegun Mimiko was not arraigned by the EFCC, despite his alleged involvement in #Dasukigate. Chief Tony Anenih was equally not persecuted for his involvement in the $2.1 billlion misappropriated funds. It can be deduced that most of these individuals do not incessantly criticise the present administration.

Curtailing Freedom of Speech

It is safe to say that the right to freedom of speech in Nigeria is gradually being eroded by the Federal Government as it appears anyone who criticises Buhari’s policies might get probed. This action could also be termed as an ‘abuse of human rights,’ which should be a cause for concern. While President Buhari’s fight against anti-corruption is commendable, it is believed that this war should cut across the board and not focus on his critics alone.

Criticism is a major feature of any democratic dispensation as it is meant to put the government in check. But, in light of such developments, it seems Nigeria is back in the era of a despotic ruler where ‘there is freedom of speech, but freedom after speech isn’t guaranteed.’

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