My Administration Won’t Tolerate Free Speech That Threatens National Security – Buhari Warns

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that his administration will not tolerate free speech that infringes on the rights of other citizens or threatens to undermine National Security, saying, “we will take firm and decisive action.”

Buhari stated this in while addressing the nation as Nigeria marks its 59th Independence Day anniversary on October 1st, 2019.

According to him, his administration will uphold the Constitutional rights of the citizens to freedom of expression and association, however, called for all to exercise restraint, tolerance and mutual respect in airing their grievances and frustrations.

“Our attention is increasingly being focused on cyber-crimes and the abuse of technology through hate speech and other divisive material being propagated on social media. Whilst we uphold the Constitutional rights of our people to freedom of expression and association, where the purported exercise of these rights infringes on the rights of other citizens or threatens to undermine our National Security, we will take firm and decisive action.

“In this regard, I reiterate my call for all to exercise restraint, tolerance and mutual respect in airing their grievances and frustrations. Whilst the ongoing national discourse on various political and religious issues is healthy and welcome, we must not forget the lessons of our past – lessons that are most relevant on a day such as this.

“The path of hatred and distrust only leads to hostility and destruction. I believe that the vast majority of Nigerians would rather tread the path of peace and prosperity, as we continue to uphold and cherish our unity.”

President Buhari also outlined his achievements in the critical sector of security, agriculture among others.