Lawyer Godwin Toko. Photo/Courtesy
Lawyer Godwin Toko has raised concerns over what he describes as a growing pattern of state authorities using accusations of foreign influence to discredit critics, amid ongoing public debate over the Sovereignty Bill currently before stakeholders.
Speaking during an interview on Next Radio on Saturday, April 2, Toko drew a comparison using an African proverb to illustrate his point on political conduct and public trust.
“There is an African saying that goes, ‘If a leopard wants to eat its cubs, it accuses them of smelling like goats,’” Toko said.
“That is what I see the government doing oftentimes. If they want to come after you, they accuse you of being a foreign agent and all those other things.”
His remarks come at a time when the proposed Sovereignty Bill has attracted significant public attention, with various institutions, civil society actors, and individuals submitting views on its provisions and potential impact.
Toko argued that the volume and diversity of submissions indicate the legislation could have far-reaching consequences on the country’s economic direction and governance framework.
“From the number of people who have submitted views on this sovereignty bill, it is clear that it is going to cause a seismic shift in the country’s economic affairs,” he said.
The bill, which continues to generate debate in policy and legal circles, has been framed by supporters as a measure aimed at strengthening national control over key sectors.
However, critics have raised concerns about its possible implications for investment confidence, regulatory predictability, and civil liberties.
Toko’s comments add to a widening public conversation in which legal experts, economists, and political actors are increasingly weighing in on how the proposed law may reshape state-citizen relations and economic governance.