Human rights lawyer Funmi Falana, SAN, has denounced the alleged intimidation and harassment of a serving corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, by officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Lagos State.
In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters, Falana, who is the founder and Chairperson of the Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), expressed deep concern over the violation of Uguamaye’s constitutional rights, particularly her freedom of expression.
Falana emphasized that freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and asserted that no citizen should face threats or reprisals for expressing their opinion on matters of public concern.
She warned that WELA would initiate legal proceedings against the NYSC and the Local Government Inspector (LGI) responsible for the alleged intimidation if such actions continue. The organization also vowed to file a fundamental human rights lawsuit on behalf of Uguamaye if the violations persist.
Falana further urged the NYSC leadership to put an end to any form of intimidation against corps members and ensure that they can express themselves freely without fear of persecution.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the case of Ushie Uguamaye, a serving youth corper in Lagos State, who is allegedly facing harassment and intimidation from officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for exercising her constitutional right to freedom of expression.
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*”Freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, and no citizen should be subjected to threats or reprisals for expressing their opinion on matters of public concern.
“Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) will not hesitate to file a fundamental human rights suit on her behalf should these acts of intimidation persist.”*
She added: “Furthermore, if the harassment continues, WELA will take legal action against her Local Government Inspector (LGI) and the National Youth Service Corps to ensure that her rights are fully protected.
“We call on the NYSC leadership to immediately put an end to any form of intimidation against Miss Uguamaye and to respect the rights of all corps members to freely express themselves without fear of persecution.”
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