The former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and African Union of Journalists (AUJ), 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 made available to DAILY POST on Monday, Ogundipe condemned any attempt to suppress Uguamaye’s voice after she posted a video online criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s government over the current state of the Nigerian economy.
Ogundipe emphasized that freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which guarantees every citizen the right to express opinions and share information without interference. He further noted that this right is also protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments.
The statement highlighted that Uguamaye, a corps member with code number LA/24B/832 serving in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos, has faced backlash for voicing her concerns. Ogundipe insisted that she must not be silenced, stressing that youth across Nigeria should stand in solidarity with her to prevent any infringement on her rights. He praised her courage and wisdom, describing her as a fearless advocate for truth and a rising voice among activists demanding accountability and justice.
Ogundipe strongly condemned any attempt by the NYSC or government agents to intimidate Uguamaye, stating that reports of an invitation by the NYSC requiring her to appear at the Eti-Osa Local Government Secretariat could be an effort to pressure her into removing the video and imposing punitive actions against her. He urged authorities to respect her constitutional rights and allow her to express her views without fear of retribution.
With Nigeria’s democratic values at stake, the former NUJ President called on citizens to protect free speech and ensure that young voices like Uguamaye’s are encouraged, not stifled. He warned that any attempt to victimize the corps member could set a dangerous precedent, limiting the ability of Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable.
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