THE National Youth Leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance, has condemned the purported suspension of the Acting General Manager of Private owned Radio Station, Legacy FM, Mr Godfrey Chikwere whom he described as a leading voice in the state.

In a statement on Saturday, Comrade Chukwu expressed concern that Chikwere had to be suspended for speaking the truth to power.

“His only offence was exercising his constitutional right to speak truth to power,” he lamented.

According to him, Freedom of expression is not a privilege in Nigeria, it is a right guaranteed by our constitution and the very heartbeat of democracy.

He stated; “Yet, in this instance, we see a dangerous precedent being set, where an outspoken, courageous voice has been silenced, not because of falsehood or hate, but because those in power could not bear to hear the truth.”

The leader further slammed those who may deem it necessary to rejoice over the suspension stating that they are simply encouraging the suppression of dissent in the society.

He called on all Ebonyians and friends of justice to boycott Legacy FM until Mr. Godfrey Chikwere is fully reinstated to his position.

He added; “To those who are rejoicing over his suspension, I say this today it is Godfrey, tomorrow it may be you. When we clap for injustice against another person because we disagree with their opinion, we are in fact tightening the rope that will one day be used on us.

“By applauding the management of Legacy FM for bowing to political pressure and suspending its manager, you are encouraging the suppression of dissent in our society.

“You are helping to build a culture where the government and those in power feel emboldened to crush every voice that dares to question them. And in such a culture, truth dies, democracy suffers, and the people lose.

“I therefore condemn in the strongest terms, this intimidation and persecution of critics. In a true democracy, the media must be free, fearless, and independent, not an echo chamber for government propaganda. When journalists and broadcasters are punished for telling the truth, it is not just an attack on them, it is an attack on every citizen’s right to know, to question, and to hold leaders accountable.

“Therefore, I call on all Ebonyians who believe in justice and free speech to take a stand. Let us boycott Legacy FM until Mr. Godfrey Chikwere is fully reinstated to his position. Let the management and their political backers know that the people of Ebonyi will not patronize a platform that bows to intimidation and silences its own for speaking the truth.

“This is bigger than one man. This is about the soul of our democracy. And we must all decide, whether to live in a state where truth is punished, or in a state where truth is celebrated, even when it makes us uncomfortable?”