Law of Sedition: Is It Still Relevant to the Modern Nigerian?
IKUOMOLA ERNEST AKINBOWALE.
CSMS/2010/157
MEDIA LAW
IS THE LAW OF SEDITION STILL RELEVANT TO THE MODERN NIGERIAN GIVEN THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION GUARANTEE IN THE 1999 CONSTITUTION
Sedition is any statement or representation which has the intention to stair up treason; defame the person of the head of state or governor of a state or to incite one section of the population against another. Sedition is a crime against society, nearly allied to that of treason and it frequently pre-cases treason by a short interval. Sedition intention is to bring hatred or contempt or excite disaffection against the person of the head of federal government. the governor of state or government of the constitution of the country or a state as by law established or against the administration of justice.
The 1999 constitution guarantees freedom of expression and of the press. Freedom of expression which is also press freedom is the right to express one’s idea and opinions freely through speech, writing and other form of communication. Press freedom is a cornerstone of human rights and a guarantee of other freedoms. It encourages transparency and good governance; it ensures that, over and above the mere rule of law, society enjoys the rule of true justice. There are, however, those who still question the value of freedom of speech to their societies; those who argue that it threatens stability and endangers progress; those who still consider freedom of speech an imposition from abroad and not the indigenous expression of every people's demand for freedom. Freedom of speech is a right to be fought for, not a blessing to be wished for. But it is more than that; it is a bridge of understanding and knowledge. It is essential for that exchange of ideas between nations and cultures which is a condition for true
CSMS/2010/157
MEDIA LAW
IS THE LAW OF SEDITION STILL RELEVANT TO THE MODERN NIGERIAN GIVEN THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION GUARANTEE IN THE 1999 CONSTITUTION
Sedition is any statement or representation which has the intention to stair up treason; defame the person of the head of state or governor of a state or to incite one section of the population against another. Sedition is a crime against society, nearly allied to that of treason and it frequently pre-cases treason by a short interval. Sedition intention is to bring hatred or contempt or excite disaffection against the person of the head of federal government. the governor of state or government of the constitution of the country or a state as by law established or against the administration of justice.
The 1999 constitution guarantees freedom of expression and of the press. Freedom of expression which is also press freedom is the right to express one’s idea and opinions freely through speech, writing and other form of communication. Press freedom is a cornerstone of human rights and a guarantee of other freedoms. It encourages transparency and good governance; it ensures that, over and above the mere rule of law, society enjoys the rule of true justice. There are, however, those who still question the value of freedom of speech to their societies; those who argue that it threatens stability and endangers progress; those who still consider freedom of speech an imposition from abroad and not the indigenous expression of every people's demand for freedom. Freedom of speech is a right to be fought for, not a blessing to be wished for. But it is more than that; it is a bridge of understanding and knowledge. It is essential for that exchange of ideas between nations and cultures which is a condition for true