₦airaland Forum

Jakumo:
Nigeria's comparatively young democratic institutions stand on the undulating rubble of past military dictatorships, meaning that while freedom of speech is assured in Nigeria, freedom after speech does not enjoy the same protections, and may even trigger invocation of the Golden Rule whereby he who has the gold, makes the rules.

While Nigeria's online pundits' freedom to offer constructive criticism to the current Nigerian federal or state government has been diligently preserved, that right to free speech has been repeatedly abused by perennial gadfly Mr. Sowore, who comes across as a particularly arrogant and belligerent character in several YouTube videos filmed and posted online by Sowore himself.

If Sowore's most recent publicity stunt eventually earns him some months of quality time in a cozy jail cell, perhaps the peace and quiet of that new accommodation will enable Town Crier Sowore to reflect on the utter futility of showing up for a gunfight wielding a rolled-up newspaper, which is what he is doing when he makes a career of concocting unfounded allegations against powerful individuals connected to successive governments in the same country.

I am genuinely saddened that someone of your exposure and intellect would hold such views. Nigeria and Nigerians have, throughout history, been known for their courage in confronting and standing up to power—no matter how oppressive or brutal.

During the colonial era, we had fearless nationalists who resisted and challenged the exploitative policies of the British colonial government. In the post-colonial period, many patriotic Nigerians also stood up against the excesses of the Tafawa Balewa administration.

Even at the height of military dictatorship, Nigerians refused to be silenced. Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, for instance, openly called Obasanjo and Yar’Adua thieves—while they were in power. Despite the boldness of his accusations, Fela was never dragged to court, let alone jailed for expressing his views.

Under the maradonic and brutal regime of General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), courageous voices like Gani Fawehinmi, Adams Oshiomhole, Wole Soyinka, Tai Solarin, and many others relentlessly held the regime accountable. They did not allow IBB to govern in peace or without insults

Then came what is widely regarded as the most repressive dictatorship in Nigeria’s history—that of General Sani Abacha. Yet, even he could not silence the Nigerian spirit. Brave individuals such as Frank Kokori, Wole Soyinka, and even the current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stood their ground and resisted. Abacha, in his paranoia, resorted to setting up death squads to eliminate critics, but Nigerians still refused to be cowed.

Since 1979, no Nigerian president or head of state has escaped public insults. None has been spared from being labeled corrupt or thieves. The most vilified, arguably, was President Goodluck Jonathan. He and his wife were subjected to daily insults and public ridicule, including outright curses. Yet, not a single person was jailed or prosecuted for such expressions.

It is for this reason that I find your justification of the current administration’s actions—on the grounds that we are a "young democracy"—both weak and deeply disappointing. Nigerian democracy, though imperfect, has a long and rich history of robust civic engagement and fearless dissent.

The Tinubu administration appears overly insecure. Rather than focusing on tackling the rampant insecurity that threatens the very existence of the country, it seems more preoccupied with silencing dissent and controlling narratives on social and traditional media. It is a tragic misplacement of priorities, and a betrayal of the democratic ideals many Nigerians have fought—and in some cases, died—for.

frankmoney:
See how ridiculous the DSS has become, is this the rubbish they are supposed to be doing ? Nigeria is bewildered with insecurity and all the secret police is doing is chasing someone because of insults

You guys still don't get it , it's a political game towards 2027 ,the outcome will be hard evidence for tinubu to use in 2027 when politicians like atiku want to use "tinubu is a criminal and drug dealer " as campaign point .

benardtotti:
You guys still don't get it , it's a political game towards 2027 ,the outcome will be hard evidence for tinubu to use in 2027 when politicians like atiku want to use "tinubu is a criminal and drug dealer " as campaign point .

I honestly don't understand how clamping down on social media insults is a political strategy. Donald Trump was a convicted criminal, but still won the US elections overwhelmingly.

Mrfixitt:
So you're of the opinion that there's no more corruption in Nigeria according to Tinubu?

Tinubu never said there's no more corruption in Nigeria because #NigeriansAreFantasticallyCorrupt!
He only aluded to the corruption in the oil and gas with the removal of subsidy.
The DSS are alluding to the President being referred to as 'criminal'

AIHappy:
I'm sure they're going to jail him because he has insulted the president disgrace the president

..this case will drag up to the supreme court which can take 20 years before it's finally decided..court case trials and judgement are slow.in Nigeria

Islie:
https://saharareporters.com/2025/09/16/breaking-dss-files-criminal-charges-against-sowore-abuja-federal-high-court-calling

Bandits are openly negotiating with government in full display of their arms.
I guess DSS is a one eyed agency.

joseph1832:
Sowore would have to explain what he meant by referring to the president as a criminal. He's going to show prove to back up his statement.

His lawyers should be getting ready to provide evidence of the president being convicted, thus making him a criminal.

It's like this people go to jail for making reckless statement they can't defend.

If the man had limited his nonsense to Nigeria Tinubu would ignore as usual, but he had to run his mouth while Tinubu is courting foreign investment.

GloriousGbola:
If the man had limited his nonsense to Nigeria Tinubu would ignore as usual, but he had to run his mouth while Tinubu is courting foreign investment.

AH well, I'm sure Sowore can afford lawyers who charge too much. The amount of litigation on that man's head, makes me not to even envy him. Lol.

Though I still wonder why he made that statement, when he obviously should know better. If it's to get the attention, well, he got it now.