Former presidential candidate and United Nations POLAC Peace Consul, Prof. Mercy Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for publicly defending freedom of speech and advocating dialogue in response to ongoing protests across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on June 12, 2026, to mark Democracy Day, Prof. Adesanya-Davies described the President’s declaration, “Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” as a strong affirmation of democratic values, tolerance, and respect for citizens’ constitutional rights.
According to her, President Tinubu’s call for “dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might” reflects leadership that recognises the importance of criticism and differing opinions in a democratic society.
Addressing the ongoing #EndBadGovernance, #EndHungerNow, and “Bring Our Children Back” protests, she urged demonstrators to embrace peaceful engagement while pursuing their demands for improved governance, food security, economic reforms, job creation, better infrastructure, and enhanced security.
Prof. Adesanya-Davies stressed that Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, or social status, must work together to build a more prosperous and united nation. She also reaffirmed UN-POLAC’s commitment to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and sustainable development, while calling for greater transparency, justice, and accountability in governance.
She maintained that protecting citizens’ voices remains essential to the growth, stability, and survival of Nigeria’s democracy.
Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies is a former presidential candidate, Professor of Applied Linguistics, Peace Ambassador, and Secretary-General of the Board of Trustees of UN-POLAC.
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria.
Contact: info@cdanews.ng | 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
