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

NUJ ex-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.

NUJ

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.

TUC Supports Lagos Corps Member Allegedly Threatened For Criticizing President Tinubu

TUC supports Lagos corps member allegedly threatened for criticizing president Tinubu. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed support for Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, who claimed she received threats after criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, TUC President Festus Osifo said the corps member was expressing frustration and urged the government to be tolerant of criticism instead of targeting individuals.

Osifo acknowledged the struggles faced by many Nigerians, stating:
“The government must develop resilience and understand that people are frustrated, hungry, and tired. If they vent their frustrations, the government should not take it personally or go after them.”

He also advised critics to express their views with decorum but emphasized that authorities should exercise patience and tolerance, especially considering the hardships faced by citizens.

TUC Supports Lagos Corps

Raye recently gained attention after posting a viral video criticizing the government’s policies and economic management. She later alleged that NYSC officials pressured her to remove the video and threatened her safety.

In her video, she lamented Nigeria’s worsening economy, arguing that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.

She also referred to Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and questioned the government’s commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.

So far, the NYSC has not issued an official statement regarding the controversy.

Lagos Police Detain 6 Suspected Robbers, Recover 2 Cars

Lagos police detain 6 suspected robbers, recover 2 cars. The police command in Lagos State has detained six suspected members of a robbery syndicate in the state for prosecution.

The state police public relations officer (PPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to journalists in Lagos on Sunday.
He said the suspects -four males and two females – were apprehended on Friday based on an intelligence report received by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, about the activities of the syndicate.

“The syndicate specialises in robbing victims of their valuables such as money both in naira and foreign currencies, jewellery, phones, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards and international passports of various countries.

Police

“Armed detectives were duly mobilised; they trailed some of the syndicate members to the Iju-Ishaga area of the state and apprehended them,” Mr Hundeyin said.

The PPRO said two Toyota Camry cars with some fake dollar notes were also recovered from them.
According to him, all the suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court.