A Case for the Repeal of the Laws on Sedition in Nigeria A Critical Legal Appraisal

Abstract

This paper discusses the early origin of laws on sedition, its aims and its export by the British imperial power to her former colonies including Nigeria. The paper argues that the main aim of the law was to suppress criticism of the monarchy in Britain and the colonial administrators in the colonies. The paper exposed the development of sedition laws in some countries and discovered that laws on sedition have been repealed in the United Kingdom hereinafter referred to as ‘the UK’, the United States of America hereinafter referred to as 'th¢ USA‘, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Uganda and Canada but has not been repealed in Nigeria. The paper argues that sedition suppresses criticism of public officials which is a fundamental necessity in a true democracy, hinders freedom of thought and expression and promotes corruption, ineptitude and mediocrity in governance and makes the responsibility of the government to the people impossible. Furthermore, the paper argues that sedition is no longer in vogue in civilized true democracies and the Nigerian courts up to the Federal Court of Appeal have demonstrated their willingness to do away with this law. The paper therefore recommends its repeal by the National Assembly.