Freedom of expression under threat in Imo State, RULAAC alleges

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned the Imo State Government’s attempt to silence criticisms from citizens, particularly Barrister Chinedu Agu, a former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch.

According to RULAAC, Agu was invited by the Imo State Police Command following a petition by the Ministry of Information alleging “criminal defamation” and “conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.”

The allegations stemmed from Agu’s constructive criticism of governance in Imo State, particularly on issues of constitutional compliance and administration of justice.

RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, argued that Agu’s actions fell within the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Nwanguma stressed that allegations of defamation are civil in nature and not criminal offenses, and that the police should not be used to harass or intimidate citizens over civil disputes.

The organization called on the Nigerian Police to discontinue the invitation and any criminal proceedings against Agu, citing an abuse of process and violation of his constitutional rights.

RULAAC also urged the Imo State Government to desist from using state power to persecute citizens for holding them accountable and to engage with constructive criticism in good faith.

Nwanguma warned that attempts to drag the state back to an era of repression and impunity would not be ignored by the international community.

“Freedom of expression is the bedrock of democracy,” he stressed. “To criminalise it is to erode the very foundation of governance under law.”