Ugorji calls for decriminalization of defamation in Imo State

The former Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs in Imo State, Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji, has called for immediate decriminalization of defamation charges in Imo State.

Dr. Ugorji, himself a diasporan and the keynote speaker at the event, made the call at the just concluded Imo Diaspora Summit.

The event was held on January 4, 2025, at Protea Hotel Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Ugorji told Nigerians in the Diaspora that they are uniquely placed to provide essential critique of government and politics, without as much fear of repercussions.

“Critique is a deep analysis of phenomenon, events, acts, policies, etc.

“Critique involves not just the identification of the merits of an issue or policy, but also the perceived faults in the subject being analyzed,” Dr. Ugorji said to the participants.

The writer cum publisher went on to say that “critique is good; critique makes societies greater.

“Critique is at the root of the improvement of all human conditions.

Ex-Imo State Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, (Dr) Ugorji O. Ugorji, a Prince of Aboh Mbaise Kingdom, breaking the kolanut at the Imo State Diaspora Summit

“I submit to you that every invention in human history, every innovation, and every creative masterpiece stemmed from a critique of the situation in that field at the time,” said Dr. Ugorji.

Grounded and constructive criticism… essential in nation building

According to the pioneer commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs in Imo State, everyone likes praises, especially politicians.

“I posit that grounded and constructive criticism is essential in nation building.

“I am an APC man… a member of the 3R Shared Prosperity Family in Imo State.”

He said further that he is also a writer, a publisher and scholar, adding: “In writing, publishing and scholarship, the freedom to speak is fundamental.

“Constructive criticism of our party and of our government is necessary for the improvement of the human condition in Nigeria and in Imo State.”

However, Dr. Ugorji cautioned that defamation, libel and slander are not legitimate critique.

“Critique and criticism must be based on facts and figures.

“As long as your criticism and your critique are based on verifiable facts, the truth is the best defense in allegations of defamation, libel, or slander,” he asserted.

And then Dr. Ugorji went there: “I call on the Imo State House of Assembly and the great governor of our state to decriminalize defamation in public discourse in the state, if it is not already decriminalized here.”

He opined that the benefits of constructive and instructive criticism based on facts and figures, far outweigh the angst over critique.

The event was attended by Imo indigenes who came home from about twenty five countries of the world.

Apart from Dr. Ugorji, who provided the keynote speech, Dr. Jovita Anyanwu made a presentation on preventative healthcare in Imo State.

Also in attendance was the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Prince Eze Madumere.

Prince Madumere brought a goodwill message to the organizers and participants.

Read also:

Come and liberate Imo State, Ugorji urges Imo diasporans

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