Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has condemned the reported threats against a female corps member who criticized Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over Nigeria’s economic hardship.
In a statement shared on X, Inibehe Effiong argued that there is no legal basis for the NYSC to penalize corps members for expressing their opinions on governance and national issues, stating that neither the NYSC Act nor its Bye Laws prohibit such criticism.
Effiong clarified that corps members are not civil or public servants and, therefore, are not subject to civil service rules.
Citing Section 2 of the NYSC Act, he explained that national service is distinct from federal or civil service employment, and corps members are not employees of the government.
He also emphasized that the Certificate of National Service issued at the end of the program is not an employment certificate.
He further debunking claims that corps members must abide by restrictions placed on civil servants.
Addressing the financial status of corps members, Effiong stated that they are not salaried employees but receive allowances, which some states do not even pay.
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He further pointed out that the NYSC Bye Laws only require corps members’ Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) to issue letters of acceptance, not employment letters.
According to him, there is no provision in the NYSC Act that makes criticism of the government an offence, referencing Section 13 of the Act and Section 4 of the Revised Bye Laws, 2011.
He asserted that her comments were non-partisan and merely reflected the reality of economic hardship in Nigeria.
However, Effiong maintained that her statements fall under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression.
He warned against any attempts to victimize her and pledged legal support to ensure her rights are protected.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many Nigerians questioning the NYSC’s role in suppressing criticism of the government.
As calls grow for the NYSC to condemn the threats, Effiong reiterated that the Tinubu administration must address the concerns of struggling citizens instead of using intimidation tactics.
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