One unique fundamental feature of democracy that sets it apart from other forms of government to the envy of most people is freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is often hailed as a fundamental right in today’s world and cherished by many as a cornerstone of democracy as opposed to dictatorship by military
This feature of democracy is very important in nurturing democracy because it allows citizens to express their thoughts, opinions, and criticisms, especially towards those in public office. However, the balance between freedom of speech and the potential for defamation of character is delicate, and it can lead to serious legal and societal consequences.
While grappling with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vs Senator Godswill Akpabio saga being displayed on the national stage, the social media in the past five days was buzzed with attacks and counter attacks involving Ms Vivian Matur and Rt Honourable Speaker Plateau House of Assembly, Gabriel K. Dewan.
Judging by Ms Vivian Matur’s social media activities, she is a vocal critic of Gov Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s government policies and an ardent supporter of the State’s main opposition party, the All Progressives’ Congress (APC).
Her words, expressed without caution despite discerning voices reminding her of the consequences raises questions about her understanding of the limits of free expression. She threw cautions to the air and even threatened to humble the Speaker. Her statements were not driven by a desire for accountability from the Speaker, they were however targeted at his personal life and apparently the consequences must be severe
However, in an attempt to balance the avoidable ugly scenario on the scale of justice as impartial citizens, the Speaker’s actions and inactions are also scrutinized here.
Rt Hon Dewan is a very young person whom fortune has made great. Though he might be very young but like in African proverbs, when a young man is made a king, he automatically becomes an elder. The Speaker would have disregarded Ms Matur or better still, allowed his Media Managers to engage her. The exalted office of the speaker is an authority and must be protected, respected and revered by both the occupant and the citizens at all times.
Angered by the derogatory and defamation statements, Rt Hon Dewan today, Friday, 14th March, 2025 was alleged to have commenced legal actions Ms Matur to protect his name from the unjust harm caused by Ms Matur’s tantrums. This is understandable. It is to guide his reputation and deter others from towing the same inglorious path of defaming leaders under the so-called guise of Freedom of Expression.
Let it be stressed especially to ‘emergency commentators’ that when the thin line between freedom of speech and defamation is crossed, consequences abound. Social critics must know that when an individual makes a statement that damages another person’s reputation, defamation has occurred.
Freedom of speech laws primarily seek to foster a culture of open dialogue and criticism; however, they also compel individuals to exercise caution and respect when addressing others, particularly public figures. When those in power are unfairly maligned, they are afforded legal recourse to protect their reputations.
The legal principles governing defamation generally revolve around two commandments: the right to speak freely and the right to protect one’s reputation. According to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, every person has the right to express opinions and ideas. However, this freedom is not absolute. In Nigeria, defamation is primarily governed by both common law and statutory law, about libel (written defamation) and slander (spoken defamation).
Defamation cases typically involve several key elements: the statement must be proven false, damaging to the individual’s reputation, and made with some degree of negligence or intent. In Ms Matur’s case, the challenge will lie in whether her statements about Rt Hon Dewan were based on truth or, if proven untrue, if they were made with the intention to cause harm.
But to every story, there must be two sides, the Speaker, being the number three citizen in the state is by the virtue of his position, a father to Ms Matur and shouldn’t have condescended too low from his exalted office to engage her. Accepted, the lady erred but as a public figure and a father figure to Vivian, a little application of emotional intelligence and tolerance would have nib in the bud, the ugly reality the public was entertained with.
Public officials must have the ability to manage their emotions and understand the emotions of others. Public office holders carry the burden of leadership and, with it comes the responsibility to respond to criticism with humility and composure. Instead of responding to Ms Matur’s tantrums, Rt Hon Speaker would have neglected her and this would have earned him more respect.
The public reaction to this case, as expected, has been highly divided. Supporters of Ms Matur defended that her right to free expression is fundamental to the democratic process and that Rt Hon Dewan’s actions represent an attempt to silence dissenting voices. On the other hand, Dewan’s supporters and sympathizers believe that the integrity of public office should be protected from baseless accusations, thus applauding Dewan’s legal redress against defamatory statements.
Without mincing words, Vivian crossed the ‘red line’ with her consistent and sustained attacks on the person and family of the Rt Hon Speaker but he must not lose focus of the bigger picture, the progress of the state
Gov Mutfwang has undoubtedly worked so hard to change the public perception on how Plateau State is regarded. The imagine of Plateau for years, in public domain has been that of crisis and rancour. This case when allowed to prolong will definitely takes the shine off the great works Mutfwang has done and Dewan as the number three citizen must swallow this bitter pills as part of leadership sacrifice by letting go this case.
The Speaker must realize that when you are bathing and a mad man packs your clothes, you do not go chasing him naked. Dewan has more to protect – protecting the exalted seat of the Speaker and the peace agenda of Gov Mutfwang being a key player in the realization of The Time Is Now Mantra.
Also, as a prominent contributor to the body of Christ (Churches), he must forgive though it hurts while Ms Vivian Matur must be remorseful to tender an unreserved apology to the Speaker and people of Plateau State. She must stop seeing Rt Hon Gabriel Dewan as a person but as institution on the Plateau
