**The Cost of Writing in a Country Where Dissent is Not Tolerated** In recent times, the act of writing has become a subversive act of defiance in Nigeria. As a journalist, I never imagined that my work could be seen as a threat to the government, but the times have changed. Even a simple expression of one's view can be considered seditious and attract terrorism charges. Police raids have become a common occurrence, where journalists are stripped of their tools of the trade, including laptops, phones, and other equipment. Summonses arrive without warning, and friends and colleagues are questioned and sometimes taken away. This has created a culture of fear among journalists, who are now hesitant to express their views. A similar scenario played out in India, where the government's actions against journalists and writers who criticized its policies in Kashmir were a stark reminder of the cost of dissent. The government's decision to revoke Article 370, which granted Kashmir a degree of autonomy, was seen as a move to alter the demography of the region and suppress opposition. In Nigeria, we have seen similar attempts to suppress dissent. The government's actions against journalists and activists who speak out against human rights abuses and corruption are a cause for concern. The use of terrorism charges to silence critics is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. As a journalist, I believe it is essential to continue speaking truth to power, even in the face of intimidation and fear. The cost of writing may be high, but the cost of silence is even higher. We must continue to tell the stories that need to be told, even if it means facing the wrath of the authorities. In a country where free speech is enshrined in our constitution, it is essential that we protect the rights of journalists and writers to express their views without fear of reprisal. The cost of writing may be steep, but the cost of a silenced press is too high to bear.