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One of the fundamental human rights I know as a Nigerian is freedom of speech. This means that I have the right to express my opinions, ideas, my feelings, and thoughts anywhere I find myself without the fear of being restrained or punished by the government.

However, in my country Nigeria, a lot of people have lost their lives in course of speaking out. It's no longer what the constitution says, we are gradually drifting from the constitution which is supposed to be our guide as a democratic country.

![Screenshot_20220519-170513.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nkemakonam89/23vi3hjbYWkphSBdwjMzfo9Tb5rQeRSmZ1NQsShd5XEbrX6Xiop6phi7wWWBa7UrsoT4k.png)
[Image Source](https://unsplash.com/photos/RMBZQFvPU4U)


It's no longer news on how a good number of Nigerian youths lost their lives during a peaceful protest on END SARS two years ago. **They only wanted to express themselves but their voices were silenced! What a country.** I also read about a rape case where the victim reported to the police so the police can arrest the culprit but it went sour. The culprit sent a threatening letter to the victim at midnight and warned her not to say a word again about the case if not she loses her life. Sadly, **the victim silently withdrew the case from the police out of fear to live.**

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nkemakonam89/EoGvX4fgy9g5DSokfWHWsvFHo5TJu5d4QLvynYQP85Q7qJN7ovP5338kqSNN9SYrnvg.png)


The issue of restriction on freedom of speech has been extended to our local levels too and not only by the government. Of course, many people are looking up to the government and following in their footsteps. Before I relocated to where I live now, I wanted to join the women association in the church, and on my first visit to their meeting, what my ears heard, my mind couldn't process it immediately. Even in the church? Oh, how I weep so badly for my country. So in that meeting, there is always an election of new leaders every two years, and most of the women there are just looking for fame and all that not minding that it is a religious gathering. So  I excused myself to breastfeed my baby and I was just hiding in one narrow corner with my baby, some group of women came very close to me though they didn't see me I heard every of their discussions. They were dragging money, an account they were meant to present to the audience were being discussed on how they will pocket some huge amount for themselves and give an account of the remaining money but one person in that group objected to the move. **She insisted on giving the whole amount of money rather than pocketing some but guess what? She was threatened that they will make her lose being the women's vice president if she dare speak the truth about the account**. So unfortunate for her to succumb and followed suit.

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nkemakonam89/EoGvX4fgy9g5DSokfWHWsvFHo5TJu5d4QLvynYQP85Q7qJN7ovP5338kqSNN9SYrnvg.png)

Recently in my country, you have to be mindful of what you post on the internet whether you are speaking the truth or not to avoid being sanctioned🤣

|<center>**MY THOUGHTS ON THIS**</center>|
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In as much as freedom of speech is vital in conveying opinions, and thus participating in democracy, it is also important that individuals do not abuse each other with terrible words or convey false information,  however, the government can limit freedom of speech and it should come as a rule which will be reviewed and accepted by many.


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/nkemakonam89/EoGvX4fgy9g5DSokfWHWsvFHo5TJu5d4QLvynYQP85Q7qJN7ovP5338kqSNN9SYrnvg.png)

This is my entry to the @hivelearners community contest titled [FREEDOM OF SPEECH](https://peakd.com/hive-153850/@kronias/weekly-featured-contents-or-week-10-edition-02-or-in-five-years)

Thanks for reading!!

Remember to keep staying positive and be happy💞🥰🧡 

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