Nonsonkwa: Juxtaposing Freedom Of Speech With Reckless Journalism

BEN AHANONU

Chapter 4, Section 39 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, states that: “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

Indeed, freedom of speech and expression has universal acknowledgment and it is the bedrock of any democratic system.

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) also says that: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.” Equally, Article 19(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights grants everyone the right to freedom of speech and expression.

But is the right to freedom of expression absolute?

Whereas, the right to freedom of expression is of utmost importance in any democratic system, it is however, not an absolute right.

International human rights law permits limitations on free speech so long as any of such limitations are provided by law and are necessary for the respect of the rights or reputations of others, or for the protection of national security, public order, public health or morals.

Due to the fact that we live in a world where it is possible to reach millions of people with the press of a button, it becomes easy for people to express their views on social media platforms regardless of the consequences.

However, the guiding rule is that content expressed must be based on facts and be in the public interest therefore name-calling and shaming on social media cannot be in the public interest.

Social media can be used to spread destabilizing information like, false accusations, fake news, and even to encourage the commission of terrorist acts and extremist violence.

Nonsonkwa mistakenly thought that he could use the radio and social media to talk recklessly, spread false information against the Governor and Government of Imo State consistently, maliciously and deliberately with impunity and intent to cause disaffection and unrest in the State.

Is Nonsonkwa the only on-air personality (OAP) in Imo State? Why is he so notorious of name calling, fabrications and bullying of people on the air and on social media with reckless abandon while some misguided fellows will be clapping for him?

None of those clamouring for his release from legitimate detention ever called him to order before now – at least not to my knowledge.

They enjoyed the false vibrations from Nonsonkwa against the God-sent Governor of Imo State while it lasted.

To the hypocritical ‘puritans,’ self-appointed adjudicators and political foes, it is okay so long as Uzodimma – their greatest thorn in the flesh is the object of unsubstantiated and unwarranted vilification.

They became deaf to the constant abuse of freedom of expression and flagrant violation of the ethics of broadcast media by loud-mouthed Nonsonkwa even after the so-called ad hoc training.

If the so-called social crusaders, who are biased and mischievous had reined him in, he would not have made and shared a nonsensical video where he characteristically disparaged the kind and gracious Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, accusing him of using Asari Dokubo’s boys under the banner of ‘Ebube Agu’ – a pan southeast security outfit to kill Imo people – that was tactless and quite irrational.

The video circulated widely on social media and was seen by security agents leading to his arrest for questioning because of the weight of the allegations and as the accuser, the ‘onus of proof’ lies with him – Uzodimma has nothing to do with that.

How will a kind and loving Governor like Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, kill the people he swore to protect? How will a peaceful Governor that hates shedding of blood mastermind the killing of the people he is governing? How?

The false accusations against Governor Uzodimma by loud-mouthed Nonsonkwa are not only reprehensible but also outrageous.

Let me state categorically that Governor Uzodimma as a public servant with a heart of gold is not averse to criticism as such will help him perform well but it should be objective and constructive to make the right impact.

Any kind of criticism that is not objective and constructive is tantamount to defamation and manipulative misrepresentation to incite public unrest.

Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights specifically prohibits: “Propaganda for war and advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.”

It is on record that until the Monday 5th April, 2021 attack on Owerri Custodial Centre and forceful release of 1,844 inmates (many of them hardened and condemned criminals), Imo State was peaceful.

It was thereafter that the whole issue of insecurity started and Governor Uzodimma cannot fold his arms and watch the State and people he promised to protect under oath to be destroyed even after some persons had vowed then to make the state ungovernable.

It is on record that Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has never accused former Governor Rochas Okorocha or Senator Ararume of sponsoring the attacks on Imo State unlike what the loquacious and clueless Ikenga Ugochinyere has been bandying about.

In fact, no sane person can talk of insecurity in Imo State in isolation from the April 2021 attack on Owerri Custodial Centre and forceful release of over 1, 844 hardened criminals.

While media outlets and online platforms can be effective and veritable mediums for disseminating timely and accurate information and commentary, they should however not serve as public platforms where some might feel that they can say whatever they like even if it is prejudicial to the rights of others as there must be reactions in the form of legal remedies by the victims of defamation and hate speech.

Unfortunately, some roguish elements and bad losers are yet to come to terms with the fact that Chief Emeka Ihedioha did not win the 2019 Imo gubernatorial election and because they refused to accept the reality and prefer self-delusion, the fact that Governor Uzodimma won the election but was robbed of his mandate by Ihedioha and co will be reiterated continuously.

The detractors should know that
Uzodimma is not the first and only Nigerian Governor to reclaim his mandate from the Supreme Court as Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola , Ayodele Fayose, Nyesom Wike, David Umahi, Diri Duoye and Ademola Adeleke did it, hence the dig at Uzodimma as Supreme Court Governor is banal, stupid, petty, senseless and mainly of no effect – just futile and inconsequential rabble – rousing that amounts to nothing.

Let me emphasize the fact that press/media freedom remains sacrosanct in Imo State and the government of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma is not afraid of criticism but it must be objective and constructive.

Without doubt, all of us want a safe, peaceful and prosperous Imo State and for that to happen we must support the shared prosperity government of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma because it is the Lord’s doing.

God bless Imo State!

– Prince Ben AHANONU is Special Adviser (CSDP) to the Governor of Imo State.