Press Release for Immediate Circulation
The Action Democratic Party (ADP), Lagos Chapter, notes with deep concern the troubling reports surrounding the case of Ms. Raye, a serving youth corps member who has been subjected to unfair punishment by the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including the arbitrary extension of her service year.
This disturbing development raises urgent questions about fairness, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of young Nigerians who dutifully heed the call to serve the nation.
The NYSC scheme, founded to foster national unity and patriotism, must never become a tool of intimidation, humiliation, or vindictive punishment against our youth.
ADP Lagos stands with Ms. Raye and countless other corps members who may be suffering in silence under a system that too often prioritizes bureaucracy over human dignity.
Nigeria cannot afford to crush the spirit of its young people – the very generation entrusted with building a more prosperous and united country.
We strongly condemn any act that seeks to prolong or extend service years without clear legal justification, transparency, or due process.
To arbitrarily extend the service year of a corps member is to weaponize authority and to deny them their fundamental right to dignity, progress, and opportunity.
As a responsible opposition party, ADP calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene swiftly in this matter. The President must ensure that NYSC authorities operate within the bounds of fairness, justice, and compassion.
A message must be sent that no Nigerian, no matter how young, should suffer oppression in the name of national service.
We equally demand a transparent review of NYSC policies that enable such arbitrary punishments.
The ADP proposes reforms that will introduce accountability, safeguard corps members against abuse, and reaffirm the true spirit of the scheme: service, learning, and unity.
The Action Democratic Party will continue to speak up for the voiceless, defend the rights of young Nigerians, and stand against every form of injustice.
We call on civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and fellow Nigerians to join us in demanding justice for Ms. Raye and all corps members who may face similar oppression.
Our youth are not pawns in a system of unchecked power. They are the future of this nation. And when we protect their rights, we protect the very soul of Nigeria’s democracy.
Signed:
Hon. Felix Tejumola-Agboola
State Secretary, ADP Lagos
Leave a Reply