HURIWA defends Raye’s right to criticise Tinubu, cites free speech guarantee in Constitution superior to NYSC by-law

HURIWA defends Raye’s right to criticise Tinubu like any other citizen

By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor

****************************

“In accordance with Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, it is stipulated that ‘every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.’

“This fundamental right is the cornerstone of our democracy, allowing citizens to hold their leaders accountable and advocate for positive change ….

“The rising costs of living, inflation, and issues surrounding government accountability are pressing matters that deserve attention.

“It is essential for our leaders to engage with citizens, listening to their grievances and taking meaningful steps to address them.

“Silencing dissent will not resolve the challenges faced by average Nigerians; rather, it deepens the divide between the government and the people” – HURIWA

****************************

Rita Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) thrust into national prominence by telling Bola Tinubu the truth of his poor job, has been defended by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) as having the right to criticise the President like any other citizen.

A statement signed by HURIWA National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko affirmed that every citizen has the right to express their opinions and concerns about government performance without fear of intimidation or retribution.

Onwubiko said fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression encapsulated in chapter 4 of the Constitution, is far more superior to any by-law of the NYSC which itself cannot negate constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of citizens, including youth corps members.

Raye last Saturday, in a now-viral video on her TikTok account, talktoraye, expressed frustration over national worsening economic conditions, lamenting high inflation and economic hardship.

She described Tinubu as a “terrible leader” questioned his efforts at alleviating the suffering faced by citizens, and described Lagos as a “smelling state” with “poor living conditions.”

Raye later alleged that the NYSC authorities in Lagos threatened and summoned her over her comments, but the officials fled their desks on Monday when she was accompanied to the office by rights activists, including Omoyele Sowore.

“Several thousands of users on various social media platforms shared the video while discussions were geared in the direction of her lamentations, which caused the video to go viral,” HURIWA noted in the statement.

“HURIWA is against any attempt to harass, intimidate or threaten the corps member. The loyalty of corpers is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not to any specific holder of the office of the President of Nigeria.

“In accordance with Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, it is stipulated that ‘every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.’

“This fundamental right is the cornerstone of our democracy, allowing citizens to hold their leaders accountable and advocate for positive change.

“HURIWA is disturbed by reports that the NYSC corps member faced threats from officials after expressing valid concerns about the economic hardships affecting corps members and many Nigerians.

“Such actions not only contradict the democratic principles upon which our nation is built but also create an atmosphere of fear that prevents open dialogue and constructive criticism.

“The rising costs of living, inflation, and issues surrounding government accountability are pressing matters that deserve attention.

“It is essential for our leaders to engage with citizens, listening to their grievances and taking meaningful steps to address them.

“Silencing dissent will not resolve the challenges faced by average Nigerians; rather, it deepens the divide between the government and the people.

“We urge the NYSC leadership to reconsider any measures taken against this brave individual and to encourage a culture of free speech among all corps members.

“It is crucial for our democracy that young voices, especially those of future leaders, are not stifled but rather nurtured and empowered to contribute to national discourse.

“In light of these events, we call on the Nigerian government to reaffirm its commitment to protect the rights of citizens, allowing them to speak freely about their experiences and challenges.

“The resilience of our democracy depends on the active participation of its citizens and their ability to address injustices openly. We stand in solidarity with this NYSC corps member and all Nigerians who dare to speak truth.”

Read also:

Tinubu’s aide walks back demand for Raye’s execution for calling him “terrible President”