Presidency Aide clarifies comment on Corps Member’s conduct
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She later alleged that she had received threats over her comments, sparking widespread debate on free speech and political dissent in Nigeria.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has addressed the backlash surrounding his recent comment on a corps member’s alleged misconduct, stating that his words were misrepresented and taken out of context.
A corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, had recently gone viral after posting a video on TikTok where she lamented the country’s worsening economic conditions and openly criticised President Tinubu’s leadership.
She later alleged that she had received threats over her comments, sparking widespread debate on free speech and political dissent in Nigeria.
She also shared a screenshot of an invitation from the NYSC, summoning her to appear before the LGI office at Eti Osa 3 on Monday at 10:00 a.m.
Ajayi had said on his Facebook page that anyone who wants to be a deviant should be ready to face the consequences and that it is poor politics for a former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar – a symbol of authority to endorse any form of bad behaviour no matter how convenient.
“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,” Ajayi stated.
He stressed that expulsion remains the maximum disciplinary measure under NYSC regulations and that his comment did not advocate for anything beyond what is already prescribed in the scheme’s framework.
Reaffirming the importance of the NYSC programme, Ajayi described it as a “historic and treasured national programme” that should not be undermined by indiscipline.
“The NYSC 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,” he said.
His clarification comes amid growing reactions to his initial comment, which some interpreted as excessive.
However, Ajayi insisted that his intention was to uphold the integrity of the NYSC and ensure compliance with its rules.
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