Ex-NUJ President Warns NYSC Against Victimizing Corps Member Over Criticism of Tinubu’s Government

Former Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and African Union of Journalists (AUJ) President, Comrade Lanre Ogundipe, has cautioned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against taking punitive measures against Rita Ushie Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos State.

In a statement released on Monday, Ogundipe emphasized that freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees individuals the right to express their opinions without interference. He further noted that this right is also upheld by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international legal instruments.

Ogundipe reacted to a viral video in which Uguamaye criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government over the country’s economic challenges. He condemned any attempts to silence or intimidate her, stressing that young Nigerians should support and protect her from harassment.

“Every youth must stand in defense of her fundamental rights. Her courage and determination to speak truth to power should be applauded rather than punished,” Ogundipe stated.

He also criticized the NYSC’s reported summons of Uguamaye to its Eti-Osa Local Government Secretariat, describing it as an attempt to pressure her into deleting the video and impose disciplinary actions.

Urging the NYSC to halt any retaliatory actions, Ogundipe maintained that dissenting voices should not be suppressed, and young activists should be encouraged to express their views freely.