I Never Called For NYSC Member’s Execution — Presidential Aide

ABUJA — THE Senior Special Assistant to the President, on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi has denied calling for the execution by hanging or firing squad, the National Youth Service Corps member, Ushe ‘Raye’ Uguamaye, who described President Bola Tinubu as a “terrible President”.

Ajayi was said not to be pleased with what Ms Uguamaye said and called for her head because she is a corps member.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, yesterday defended the right of the young NYSC corps member who recently voiced strong criticisms regarding President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Denying calling for capital punishment for the corps member, the presidential aide, in a statement, said “It has become imperative to dispel the misrepresentation and patent mischief that have trailed my comment on a Facebook post.

“I suggested that flagrant and open abuse and disregard of NYSC by-laws and established protocol should attract the full NYSC disciplinary measures, particularly regarding a corps member’s recent display of imprudence.

“It is trite to say the maximum punishment under the NYSC protocol is expulsion; nothing beyond the established norms and laws is suggested or remotely implied.

“The NYSC scheme is a historic and treasured national programme that should not be sullied and ridiculed by indiscipline. It symbolises our triumph over division and consistent effort to forge a more potent and virile union.

“Most importantly, we should abide by our old cherished values of dignity, discipline, and respect for one another as citizens.”

Ajayi had on his Facebook said: “If she is not a corper, she can say whatever she fancies like people do per second. Citizens can abuse a living day out of their President or any public official. It is normal.

“But a corper violated her oath and code of conduct here. That is capital punishment under NYSC.

“You can’t abuse the country you are serving as a corper under any guise and the symbol of sovereign authority, which is the president. She should be punished to the fullest extent, not just warned.”

In a statement signed by HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group affirmed that every citizen had the right to express their opinions and concerns about governmental performance without fear of intimidation or retribution.

It said the provisions of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression encapsulated in chapter 4 of the Nigerian constitution, was higher and far more superior than the NYSC bylaw. HURIWA said the extant NYSC bylaw didn’t negate the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of citizens, including youth corps members.

It recalled that the young corps member, Miss.Uguamaye, had, in a now-viral video shared on her TikTok account, talktoraye, on Saturday, expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, lamenting the high inflation and economic hardship.

Uguamaye had also criticised the President by describing him as a “terrible leader” while questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by the citizens.

While describing Lagos as a “smelling state” and lamenting its “poor living conditions,” HURIWA said: “Several thousands of users on various social media platforms shared the video while discussions were geared in the direction of her lamentations, which caused the video to go viral.

“HURIWA is against any attempt to harass, intimidate or threaten the corps member. The loyalty of corpers is to the federal Republic of Nigeria and not to any specific holder of the office of the President of Nigeria.”

“In accordance with Section 39(1) of the Nigerian constitution, it is stipulated that ‘every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.’

“This fundamental right is the cornerstone of our democracy, allowing citizens to hold their leaders accountable and advocate for positive change.

“HURIWA is disturbed by reports that the NYSC corps member faced threats from officials after expressing valid concerns about the economic hardships affecting corps members and many Nigerians.

“Such actions not only contradict the democratic principles upon which our nation is built but also create an atmosphere of fear that prevents open dialogue and constructive criticism.

“The rising costs of living, inflation, and issues surrounding government accountability are pressing matters that deserve attention.

“It is essential for our leaders to engage with citizens, listening to their grievances and taking meaningful steps to address them. Silencing dissent will not resolve the challenges faced by average Nigerians; rather, it deepens the divide between the government and the people.

“We urge the NYSC leadership to reconsider any measures taken against this brave individual and to encourage a culture of free speech among all corps members.

‘’It is crucial for our democracy that young voices, especially those of future leaders, are not stifled but rather nurtured and empowered to contribute to national discourse.

“In light of these events, we call on the Nigerian government to reaffirm its commitment to protect the rights of citizens, allowing them to speak freely about their experiences and challenges.

“The resilience of our democracy depends on the active participation of its citizens and their ability to address injustices openly. We stand in solidarity with this NYSC corps member and all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power.’’