Brekete Family Radio Engagement of Sen. Akpabio, In Order – Kunle Edun, SAN
Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria has criticized the Nigerian Senate's summons of the host of the human rights radio show Brekete Family to question Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding a dispute between the senator and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
He reiterated that “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 harass 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.” Said Edun, SAN who is the Chairman, NBA Citizens Engagement Committee.
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