FENRAD warns against toxic talk, pushes for respect in Abia State’s legal storm

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has expressed deep concerns over the growing wave of civil and criminal litigations currently sweeping across Abia State, many of which appear politically motivated.

According to the group Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, while recognizing that recourse to the courts is a legitimate democratic tool for seeking justice, they urged all political actors, stakeholders, and citizens to exercise caution and decorum in both language and action as these legal processes unfold.

FENRAD reiterated that the courts remain the last hope of the common man and must be treated with the utmost respect.

The organization calls on litigants and their supporters to avoid comments, protests, or actions that could be construed as attempts to influence judicial proceedings or undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

Litigation should never be weaponized as a means of silencing dissent or intimidating opponents. In a democracy, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

The group further cautions against the misuse of cybercrime laws and related legal instruments to criminalize dissenting voices, journalists, or civic actors who express opinions or criticisms in good faith.

Such actions, FENRAD warned, risk shrinking the civic space and eroding democratic freedoms guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.

The organization noted with concern the increasingly toxic nature of public conversations—both in traditional and social media—within Abia State.

FENRAD calls for measured, respectful, and fact-based discourse, reminding all commentators, media outlets, and political parties that freedom of expression comes with a corresponding duty of responsibility.

Democracy thrives when citizens engage in robust yet respectful debate. Vilification, hate speech, and misinformation only deepen divisions and distract from the substantive issues of governance and justice

FENRAD affirmed that constructive dissent is an essential component of democracy.

The group further warned against any attempts—direct or indirect—to criminalize or delegitimize the peaceful expression of differing opinions.

Instead, it encourages inclusive dialogue, civic education, and tolerance as means of strengthening democratic governance in Abia State.

FENRAD emphasized that the right to free expression must be safeguarded at all times, provided it does not infringe on the rights and reputations of others or threaten public peace.

FENRAD stressed that all parties—political actors, the media, and citizens—to prioritize peace, due process, and mutual respect.

They believe that only through open, tolerant, and law-abiding engagement can Abia State sustain and deepen the democratic gains recorded in recent years.