Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to expand the space for Freedom of Expression amid attacks on individuals expressing dissenting views.
The global right body said this on Monday at the launch of #TalkYourTruth – a campaign aimed at protecting and promoting freedom of expression.
“The #TalkYourTruth campaign is aimed at protecting the right to freedom of expression and documenting cases of intimidation, arrest or threats to those who express opinions the government, people or group of people may find offensive,” Osai Ojigho, Amnesty International country director, said.
In his comments, the keynote speaker, Jaiye Gaskia, harped on the value of freedom of expression to the important project of democracy-building in Nigeria, stressing that the “whole idea of government, the very notion that the central purpose of government is the security and welfare of citizens must be understood as a practical test of accountability and something that can only be enabled within the freedom of expression.”
Mr Gaskia emphasized the indivisibility and interdependence of rights; asking Nigerians to make reasoned choices to be active citizens by constantly engaging in citizen’s actions.
Credit: premiumtimesng.com
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS