Co-Spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties, Mr Mark Adebayo, has stated that it is only under a military rule that a leader cannot be criticised.
He was reacting to an opinion expressed by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser( Media & Publicity) to President Muhammadu Buhari. Adesina said Buhari
should have punished his critics.
“President Muhammadu Buhari should have punished his critics but still accommodated them due to his kind heart,” Adesina had said.
The President was described by Adesina as a big-hearted man with no malice in his heart.
In response to this assertion, Adebayo said, “Under a democracy, every citizen has the right to question the policies of public office holders and interrogate their stewardship without fear of intimidation. It is only under military rule that the country’s leader can act without anticipating criticism.”
He stated that, despite having a military background, President Buhari appeared to have a better understanding of democracy than Adesina, which may be why he did not act in accordance with his distorted view of how he should have dealt with his critics.
“Mr. Adesina needs to be educated that criticism of elected public officials is an integral part of any democracy and can’t be voided by presidential fiat. It’s not a question of if the President wishes or not, it’s a matter of law and constitutional rights of citizens in a democracy” he stated.
He reiterated that Adesina was unfit for the office he holds due to the “tyrannical tendencies” he has displayed in the years since being appointed presidential spokesman. He said that he would go down in history as one of the most notorious presidential spokespersons Nigerians have ever endured.
“He speaks often without considering the implications of what he says and attracts displeasure towards the President he speaks on behalf of, ” he said.
