The Director of the Lagos State Office of the National Human Rights Commission, Lukas Koyejo, has described freedom of expression as “the lifeblood of democracy and a fundamental safeguard against authoritarianism in Nigeria.”
Koyejo spoke on Tuesday at the 20th annual memorial lecture held in honour of the late human rights icon and first National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, where he warned that persistent efforts to silence journalists, activists and citizens pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s constitutional order.
Koyejo said, “Once citizens are afraid to speak, democracy is already in danger.
“Denying people the right to express themselves is a denial of their humanity and dignity.”
He noted that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, is not “a decorative provision” but a binding obligation on all arms of government.
According to him, the right underpins the enjoyment of other freedoms, including political participation, social justice and credible elections.
Koyejo also pointed out that Nigeria’s ratification of international human rights instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, makes freedom of expression a universal and enforceable right within the country’s legal framework.
“Any intimidation of the press or suppression of dissent is not only unconstitutional but also a violation of Nigeria’s international obligations,” he warned.
Expressing concern over what he described as a shrinking civic space despite the return to democratic rule, Koyejo cited increasing harassment of journalists, activists and social media users.
“A free press is not an enemy of the state. It is a constitutional partner mandated to hold the government accountable to the people,” he said.
While acknowledging the dangers posed by misinformation, the NHRC director rejected censorship as a solution, advocating responsible dissemination of verified information and stronger judicial safeguards for digital rights.
“National security must not be used as a blanket excuse to suppress the truth,” he said, adding that “when one journalist is silenced, the freedom of all Nigerians is placed at risk.”
He added that defending freedom of expression is inseparable from defending democracy, the Constitution.
He praised Beko Ransome-Kuti, whom he described as a symbol of courage, resistance and unwavering commitment to human rights.
Earlier, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights held the 20th memorial of Ransome-Kuti with a renewed call for principled activism, accountability in governance and unity within Nigeria’s civil society.
Speaking at the event held at the Rights House, Lagos, factional CDHR President, Mr Debo Adeniran, described Ransome-Kuti as “more than a medical doctor,” calling him “a moral doctor for a nation wounded by repression.”
“At a time when speaking against military dictatorship attracted imprisonment and harassment, Beko stood firmly on the side of justice,” Adeniran said.
“He confronted impunity and state repression with uncommon courage.”
He recalled that the late activists played pivotal roles in strengthening civil society through organisations such as the Nigeria Medical Association, Campaign for Democracy, CDHR, Centre for Constitutional Governance and several labour and civic coalitions.
“Beko believed that human rights are inalienable; they are not privileges granted by the state,” Adeniran said.
“Even incarceration could not break his resolve. His voice continued to inspire resistance against injustice,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current challenges, Adeniran said Ransome-Kuti, if alive, would have demanded accountability over insecurity, economic hardship and corruption.
“These are not merely economic failures; they are human rights violations that erode the dignity of citizens,” he said.
He urged civil society groups to remain independent, united and principled, warning against complacency and compromise.
“The true way to honour Beko’s legacy is through action vigilance in the streets, advocacy in the media, courage in the courts and integrity in our personal conduct,” Adeniran added.
Other speakers at the event, including Prof. Oluwafemi Obayori of Lagos State University and Oba Rufus Ajayi, extolled Ransome-Kuti’s virtues.
“Beko was a practical man with a strong organisational spirit,” Obayori said. “He was young when he began the struggle and never relented.”
Other speakers called on stakeholders to deepen their understanding of societal realities while advancing the struggle for human rights, stressing that Ransome-Kuti’s vision of an egalitarian society anchored on the rule of law remains unfinished.
