Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has stirred debate online after sharing an old social media post by singer Adekunle Gold in which the artiste criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.
Sowore referenced the old post while questioning what he described as the growing use of law enforcement agencies and cybercrime laws against individuals over online comments and social media exchanges.
According to him, Adekunle Gold openly criticised the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in 2012, adding that such expressions were widely regarded as free speech at the time.
He argued that if the singer had faced arrest for those comments years ago, many Nigerians would have protested against what they would have considered an attack on freedom of expression.
Sowore, however, alleged that some influential individuals who once benefited from unrestricted expression are now resorting to the use of police authorities, courts, and cybercrime provisions against critics and ordinary citizens over online disputes.
The activist maintained that freedom of expression should apply equally to everyone, including celebrities, politicians, activists, and young Nigerians active on social media platforms.
He further called on the Nigeria Police Force to avoid being used in personal disputes involving influential figures and urged the judiciary to exercise caution in matters relating to online speech.
Sowore also criticised what he described as harsh penalties linked to internet-related offences, arguing that some social media disputes should not escalate into criminal cases.
His comments have since generated reactions online, with supporters backing his call for stronger protection of free speech, while others argued that public criticism and defamation issues should be treated separately….Read_More…
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