DEFENDING TRUTH IN PUBLIC DEBATE: BUILDING SPACES FOR DIALOGUE

Full text of a Presentation by Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Member House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria at the European Parliament

Protocols
President of the Political Network for Values,
Honourable Chair: Margarita de la Pisa
Distinguished Members of the European Parliament,
PfE Group, Spain Lucy Akelo
Member of Parliament, Uganda
Distinguished parliamentarians, Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Introduction

I am deeply honoured to address this VII Transatlantic Summit convened by the Political Network for Values – a global platform courageously defending human dignity and fundamental freedoms at a time when these ideals face unprecedented pressure.

Let me begin by thanking the organizers for the opportunity to participate and for inviting me to speak on this topic. Defending Truth in Public Debate: Building Spaces for Dialogue is not merely professional; it is deeply personal. It touches the very bedrock of democracy and our shared humanity.

The recent tragic murders of Charlie Kirk and Miguel Uribe painfully remind us of the dangers confronting those who defend fundamental values in the public arena. Across continents, promoting life, family, freedom, and truth is increasingly treated as a position to be silenced – often through censorship disguised as regulation, rather than through dialogue aimed at consensus.

Yet truth in public debate remains sine qua non for democratic growth. It is the glue of the social contract between leaders and citizens.

2. On the Complexity of Truth

Firstly, we must acknowledge that speaking about truth is extremely challenging. It is challenging because every one of us seated here has a “safe haven” we call or perceive as truth.

For us to have a meaningful conversation, it is imperative that we open our minds to the reality that truth is often place- and time-determinant.

Truth can only be absolute where people share similar culture, orientation, and background. The primary essence of truth is to actualize peace. But seeking truth in isolation – without dialogue – often produces rancour and disunity.

That is why I was particularly pleased that dialogue appears in today’s theme. Dialogue is the major instrument for achieving the peace that truth seeks to bring.

Allow me a simple illustration. Imagine you were raised in the United States and travelled to Nigeria. You asked Tony to buy you a “pair of pants.” Tony returned with underwear. Truthfully, Tony was right – but practically, he was wrong. That was not what you meant.

Even a witness who heard your request would testify that you asked for pants. Yet misunderstanding arose. This is where dialogue becomes indispensable.

As minor and humorous as this example sounds, it reflects why we have so much disagreement in today’s world.

Growing up, my grandmother often said in Igbo: onye si ka mmadu nile mebe kaya, mara nani ya ga ebi – meaning, if you insist everyone must see things exactly your way, be prepared to live alone.

3. Democracy in an Age of Noise

We live in an era of social media with unfettered loud voices but shrinking understanding.

It is an age where opinions travel faster than facts, outrage often replaces reason, and disagreement is too easily mistaken for hostility.

International IDEA confirms what many of us feel: the world is in democratic recession. More countries are declining than improving in democratic performance.

The Washington Post reminds us: “Democracy dies in darkness.”

Former U.S. President John Adams warned that democracy can exhaust itself unless defended. Sir Winston Churchill observed that democracy is the worst form of government – except for all others.

These words compel us to act.

Truth is not a luxury. It is the foundation of legitimacy, the basis of social justice, and the compass of democratic leadership.

4. Nigeria and Africa: A Case Study in Fragile Trust

Let me situate this discussion in Africa, using Nigeria as a case study.

In Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, over 93 million citizens were registered to vote, yet only about 26.7% participated in the presidential election. Similar patterns have persisted since 2003. This is not voter apathy alone – it is voter distrust.

Blatant misinformation, toxic rhetoric, identity politics, and broken promises have driven many citizens away from democratic participation. Where truth disappears from public debate, extremism finds fertile ground.

5. Legal Frameworks for Truth and Dialogue in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39, while recognizing reasonable limits in the interest of public order and morality.

Other relevant frameworks include:

1.    The Electoral Act 2022 – criminalizing misinformation and hate speech capable of undermining elections.

2.   The Cybercrimes Act 2015 – addressing online falsehoods and harmful digital conduct.

3.   The Freedom of Information Act 2011 – empowering citizens to demand transparency.

4.   Broadcasting and media regulations – balancing free speech with responsibility.

These laws show that regulation itself is not the enemy of democracy – misuse of regulation is. The goal must always be to protect truth, not power.

6. Rivers State: When Dialogue Collapses

A recent example from Rivers State illustrates this danger.

Political tensions between branches of government escalated into legislative paralysis, contested legitimacy, public protests, and media warfare. Rather than structured dialogue, citizens were subjected to competing narratives and institutional silence.

This breakdown occurs when:

1.    Political actors weaponise information

2.   Institutions fail to communicate transparently

3.   Dialogue is replaced by confrontation

The result is erosion of trust and democratic fatigue among ordinary people.

7. Public Debate and Its Democratic Purpose

Public debate enables:

1.    Diverse perspectives

2.   Democratic engagement

3.   Accessible information

4.   Respectful structure and tone

5.   Persuasion through reason, not intimidation

Its purpose is not to win arguments, but to build understanding and shape policy through consensus.

Dialogue is the ingredient of consensus – and consensus is democracy’s enduring armour.

8. Practical Strategies in:

Defending Truth

     i.         Verify facts before speaking

    ii.         Use credible sources

  iii.         Correct misinformation respectfully

  iv.         Promote critical thinking and media literacy

Building Spaces for Dialogue

     i.         Create safe civic spaces

    ii.         Listen actively to opposing views

  iii.         Focus on issues, not personalities

  iv.         Seek common ground

Standing on truth does not show weakness – it cultivates statesmanship.

9. Recommendations to Parliamentarians

I respectfully propose five guiding principles:

1.    Lead by Example – Commit to fact-based discourse.

2.   Strengthen Oversight – Ensure regulations protect citizens, not silence dissent.

3.   Institutionalize Dialogue – Build bipartisan and community platforms.

4.   Invest in Civic Education – Equip young people with democratic values.

5.   Protect Journalists and whistleblowers – Democracy needs light to survive.

10. Condemning Killings and Reaffirming State Responsibility

At this point, I must also speak to the painful reality unfolding in parts of Nigeria. The persistent killings of innocent citizens across several states are barbaric and wholly unacceptable in any civilised society. Every life matters, and the continued loss of lives through violence, banditry, and communal conflict represents a grave assault on our shared humanity and democratic values. Government exists first and foremost to protect lives and property, and I therefore call on all tiers of government in Nigeria to rise urgently to this responsibility. Beyond military responses, there must be justice for victims, accountability for perpetrators, and sustained dialogue with affected communities. Peace cannot be imposed by force alone; it must be built through trust, inclusion, and responsive governance.

11. Choosing Dialogue Over Darkness

Distinguished colleagues,

Disagreement is not strange in politics. But dialogue is the only credible path to lasting consensus.

Truth in public debate is not optional. It is the heartbeat of democracy.

If we fail to defend it, we risk louder politicians but fewer statesmen; more regulations but less legitimacy; more platforms but fewer conversations.

Moving forward, I suggest that the world, under the United Nations, should champion dialogue as a primary instrument for world peace, not merely fronting truth in isolation.

12. Conclusion

In conclusion, from Africa to Europe, from national assemblies to this very Parliament, may we have the courage to focus on dialogue rather than truth.

Permit me to add that Nigeria, after 26 years of constitutional democracy, continues to make steady progress despite challenges. We invite global partners to invest in Nigeria. With a vibrant youth population, resilient economy, and improving regulatory frameworks, Nigeria is positioned as Africa’s next major economic destination.

Our tax laws are being clarified, opportunities span every sector, and innovation is rising.

Welcome to Nigeria.

Thank you.

God bless you all.