*Says “No Exemption to Freedom of Expression for Corps Members”
The Chairman of the NBA Citizens’ Engagement Committee, Kunle Edun, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged threats made by officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against a corps member who criticized the state of the Nigerian economy on social media.
A few days ago, a Nigerian corps member publicly expressed concerns over the worsening economic conditions in the country, highlighting how the meager allowance provided by the Federal Government is insufficient to meet basic needs despite their dedicated service. Reports indicate that upon learning of these social media posts, certain NYSC officials directed the corps member to delete them or face retribution.
Kunle Edun, SAN, denounced these threats and demanded that the identities of the officials involved be revealed, emphasizing that their actions contradict the core values of the NYSC program, which include discipline, patriotism, courage, and participatory governance.
He further stressed that every Nigerian, including corps members, has the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution. He clarified that there is no legal exemption that strips corps members of their right to express opinions and impart information simply because they are serving under the NYSC scheme.
“Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, and freedom of speech is essential for accountability and transparency in governance. No corps member should be harassed or victimized for exercising their constitutional rights to comment on governance or misgovernance in the country,” Edun stated.
He further criticized political leaders who expect citizens to remain silent despite the impact of government policies on their daily lives. Instead of attempting to suppress free speech, he urged the government to engage young Nigerians in shaping policies that will secure their future and restore their faith in the system.
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