Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, has denied allegations that he called for severe punishment, including the death penalty, against a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ajayi’s remarks, initially made in response to a viral video by Lagos-based corps member Ushie Uguamaye, sparked outrage online. Uguamaye had voiced her frustration over Nigeria’s economic hardship and rising inflation, questioning the government’s role in addressing the crisis. In her TikTok video, she expressed disappointment in the leadership, stating that the situation worsens each week.
Following her comments, Ajayi had suggested that violations of NYSC rules should attract the scheme’s strictest disciplinary measures. However, his statement was widely interpreted as a call for extreme punishment, prompting criticism from social media users.
Addressing the backlash, Ajayi released a statement clarifying his position, emphasising that his words had been misconstrued. He explained that his reference to “capital punishment” was metaphorical, noting that the most severe penalty under NYSC regulations is expulsion.
Ajayi stressed that his intent was to uphold the discipline and values that the NYSC represents, not to incite harm. He urged Nigerians to avoid misinformation and misrepresentation, stating that the NYSC remains a crucial institution for national unity and service.
