By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has refuted claims that he called for extreme punishment against National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, who recently criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a social media post.
Ajayi’s response follows backlash over his initial remarks, in which he suggested that the strictest NYSC disciplinary code should apply to Uguamaye’s actions.
In a statement issued on Monday, he dismissed allegations of advocating for measures beyond the established NYSC by-laws.
An online news medium, People’s Gazette, had claimed that Ajayi called for Uguamaye’s execution by hanging or firing squad while reacting to the post of the corps member.
However, in his reaction to the news report, Ajayi clarified his comment, which he said had been twisted out of his original meaning for mischievous reasons.
According to the statement he made available to journalists at the State House, the presidential spokesman said “It has become imperative to dispel the misrepresentation and patent mischief that has trailed my comment on a Facebook post.
“I suggested that flagrant and open abuse and disregard of NYSC by-laws and established protocol should attract the full NYSC disciplinary measures, particularly regarding a corps member’s recent display of imprudence,” Ajayi clarified.
He emphasised that the NYSC’s maximum penalty for disciplinary breaches is expulsion and that he never implied any action beyond what is stipulated by the scheme’s regulations.
“It is trite to say the maximum punishment under the NYSC protocol is expulsion; nothing beyond the established norms and laws is suggested or remotely implied,” he stated.
The controversy arose after Uguamaye made a social media post labeling President Tinubu a “terrible leader.”
Ajayi’s initial comment was perceived by some as a call for harsh retribution, sparking debate over freedom of expression within the NYSC.
Defending the integrity of the NYSC, Ajayi described it as a “historic and treasured national programme that should not be sullied and ridiculed by indiscipline,” stressing its role in fostering national unity.
“The NYSC scheme symbolizes our triumph over division and our consistent effort to forge a more potent and virile union,” he added.
Ajayi concluded by urging Nigerians to uphold values of dignity, discipline, and mutual respect, noting that these principles remain essential for national cohesion.