EX-NUJ PRESIDENT WARNS NYSC TO BACK OFF FROM RITA USHIE UGUAMAYE

LANRE OGUNDIPE DEFENDS CORPS MEMBER’S RIGHT TO SPEAK FREELY

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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 punishing Rita Ushie Uguamaye, a corps member currently serving in Lagos State.

Ogundipe, in a statement titled “Let Rita Ushie Uguamaye Breathe,” stressed that no government or institution should suppress the young woman’s voice. He reminded NYSC officials that freedom of speech is a constitutional right and must not be violated.

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FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

Highlighting Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, Ogundipe reaffirmed that every citizen has the right to freely express their opinions and share information without interference. He also cited international human rights laws that protect freedom of speech, emphasizing that Rita’s remarks on President Bola Tinubu’s government should not warrant persecution.

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NYSC PRESSURED TO DROP DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

The journalist strongly opposed NYSC’s decision to summon Rita to the Eti-Osa Local Government Secretariat, accusing officials of attempting to intimidate her into taking down her video and imposing sanctions.

He called for an immediate halt to any disciplinary actions, stating that no government agency should restrict her right to speak out. As public support for Rita grows, Ogundipe’s statement adds to the calls for NYSC to respect constitutional rights and allow free speech without fear of retaliation.