Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the director-general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to immediately release Ms Ushie Rita Uguamaye's discharge certificate.

SERAP said withholding Ms Uguamaye's discharge certificate solely for the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression is a blatant violation of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.

"No one should ever be punished solely for peacefully exercising their human rights," the organisation said in a statement on Sunday.

SERAP said withdholding her certificate is without any lawful justification and contrary to the provisions of section 11 of the NYSC Act which provides that, "The Directorate shall, on completion of the service of a member of the service corps unless such person is exempted under section 17 of this Act, issue him [her] with a Certificate of National Service which shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed."

It said, "Punishing Ms Uguamaye for her criticism demonstrates Nigerian authorities' intolerance toward citizens who speak out for human rights and social justice. The NYSC shouldn't be withholding the certificate of Corps members or punishing them in any shape or form simply for their peaceful opinions.

"Instead of resorting to repressive measures, the NYSC must respect the human rights of ALL Corps members, including their right to freedom of expression, and actively ensure that peaceful expression continues without any restriction.

The organisation urged President Tinubu to demonstrate his oft-expressed commitment to uphold the human rights of everyone in the country and his promise that "no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults."

SERAP said, "We'll hold the NYSC leadership to account if Ms Uguamaye's certificate is not immediately released."

ASA