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By Assre Asare
A 78 years old retired government worker in Togo, Madamé Marié Avom has posited that Nigeria is a very free country where its citizens can speak out and even criticise their federal government.
She lamented that there are increasing killings of nationals for speaking out their social plights in Togo.
She alleged that the killings may be sponsored by the state, citing example of an army officer who criticized the president and was shot dead in his office by another officer.
The grandmother said her country is not free but under a totalitarian rule.
Avom, a former bilingual government official interacted with our reporter in Lome, capital of Togo.
She believes that Nigeria is truly independent and free where citizens and the media ventilate their political views without any harassment, persecutions or being killed.
“In Togo, you dare not speak ill against or criticize the president or his lieutenants else agents who are everywhere will report you to the authorities.
“There is lack of freedom in my country. Any voices of dissent are usually eliminated.”
According to her, the killing spree prevalent during the reign of father of current president, Faure Gnassingbe may have returned in Togo.
“I caution my children to be wary of their speeches against government. Any negative speeches against government are traced. There are many agents who secretly report anyone who criticizes the president to the authorities.
“The authorities would then plot your elimination. Bold people have been cowed. We have been made to become mumu in our country because of fear of being killed for venting displeasure against government. “
Late President Gnassigbe Eyadema ruled Togo from independence in 1967 to 2005.. His son, Faure took over after his death in February 2005.
