‘Criticise me, insult me, sleep peacefully’ — President Tinubu tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that they can criticise or even insult him without facing punishment from his administration.

Tinubu said those who speak against him or attack his government should be able to express their views without fear of reprisals, stressing that they could still “sleep peacefully” despite their criticisms.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, made the remarks in Abuja on Thursday at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Daily Times of Nigeria Limited.

He said the administration’s willingness to tolerate criticism was a key part of its Renewed Hope Agenda and its commitment to protecting and promoting press freedom.

“Let us admit that under this government, you can insult and attack the President and still go to bed without midnight troubles. This philosophy lies at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The task of national renewal requires the courage to understand where we have come from and confront what we have laid back and made difficult, necessary choices, but where we must go,” he said.

Tinubu’s remarks come amid ongoing public criticism of his administration, with the President maintaining that Nigerians should be free to express their opinions without fear of government retaliation.