In the wake of the establishment of a Cyber Crime Action Committee by the Osun State Government, purportedly aimed at tackling fake news and cybercrimes, a local group, the Congress of Progressive Youth (COPY), has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of attempting to stifle freedom of speech, particularly dissenting voices critical of his administration’s performance.
Addressing the recent developments, the Secretary of COPY, Comrade Lekan Ibrahim (Legacy), emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and robust opposition in sustaining democracy.
He urged Governor Adeleke to prioritize delivering tangible benefits to the people of Osun State rather than resorting to draconian measures to silence dissent.
Comrade Ibrahim cautioned against undemocratic and unconstitutional actions to suppress opposition voices, affirming that members of the opposition were prepared to resist any attempts to curtail their freedom of expression.
He criticized the Cyber Crime Action Committee as a thinly veiled attempt to suppress press freedom and trample on fundamental rights.
The group expressed disappointment in the government’s adoption of what they perceive as anti-democratic tactics, highlighting the hypocrisy of individuals within the administration who previously championed dissent but now advocate for censorship.
Notably, Comrade Ibrahim singled out Barrister Kolapo Alimi for criticism, citing his history of using derogatory language against political opponents.
The group labeled Alimi’s involvement in the committee as hypocritical, questioning his sudden shift towards intolerance.
Amidst these concerns, COPY called on the Adeleke administration to refocus its efforts on addressing the pressing issues facing the people of Osun State.
They urged the government to embrace transparency and genuine dialogue with the opposition, rather than resorting to authoritarian tactics.
The statement issued by the group underscored the need for the administration to uphold democratic principles and respect the rights of citizens, emphasizing that genuine solutions and transparent governance are essential for earning the trust of the populace.