Abia Group Condemns Call For Arrest of Critics of Benjamin Kalu

The Abia Coalition For Justice and Equity, ACJE, has questioned the rationale behind the call for the Department of State Services, DSS, to fish out and prosecute those behind that they described as spreading falsehoods about the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

The SAVE Nigerian Movement and Free-lance Journalists Federation had called on the Departments of State Services as well as the Nigerian Police Force to immediately fish out and prosecute the Nigerians involved in what they described as "dissemination of falsehood against the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu".

The two groups at a press conference in Abuja said the recent happenings are attempts by opposition elements to truncate the rising political profile of Benjamin Kalu.

Reacting to the call, ACJE expressed shock and dismay, wondering if citizens no longer have the right to hold their leaders accountable for their actions and inactions.

ACJE in a statement through her Convener, Comrade Okwute Otuonye said criticizing public office holders is guaranteed by the Constitution, adding that criticizing or questioning a public official's actions or integrity isn't "falsehood".

"The Abia Coalition For Justice and Equity (ACJE) is shocked and dismayed by the call from the SAVE Nigerian Movement and Free-lance Journalists Federation for the DSS and Nigerian Police to prosecute Nigerians spreading "falsehood" about Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu".

"We question the rationale behind this call. As Nigerians, we have the right to hold our leaders accountable, guaranteed by the Constitution. Criticizing or questioning a public official's actions or integrity isn't "falsehood" – it's democracy".

"If the Deputy Speaker is a victim of false information, let him address it through proper channels. But calling for citizens to be silenced or prosecuted for speaking out sets a dangerous precedent. What's next? Will we criminalize criticism of government officials?"

"We urge SAVE Nigerian Movement and Free-lance Journalists Federation not to stifle free speech. Nigerians have a right to scrutinize leaders. Instead of calling for crackdowns, promote fact-checking and media literacy".

"To the DSS and Police: focus on real threats to national security, not perceived slins against officials".

"The ACJE stands with Nigerians' right to free expression. We'll resist any attempts to suppress accountability and transparency".