The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has denied calling for the death penalty on an NYSC member who criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Ajayi clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted, emphasizing that he only advocated for the strictest NYSC disciplinary measures, which is expulsion—not physical harm.
“I suggested that flagrant and open abuse and disregard of NYSC by-laws should attract full disciplinary measures,” Ajayi stated.
His response follows massive online backlash, with many Nigerians accusing him of advocating capital punishment.
NYSC Member’s Viral Video Sparks Controversy
The controversy erupted when Lagos-based NYSC member, Ushie Uguamaye, posted a viral TikTok video on Saturday, criticizing the Nigerian government.
In the video, she lamented the rising cost of living, inflation, and the economic hardship under President Tinubu’s administration.
“I just left a supermarket, and everything has gone up again. Every week, prices increase. What is the government doing about this?” Uguamaye questioned. She went further to call President Tinubu a “terrible leader,” sparking reactions online.
Ajayi, in response, advocated for disciplinary action against her, but his comments were misinterpreted as a call for the death penalty.
Ajayi: “I Never Advocated Death Penalty“
Facing public criticism, Ajayi issued another statement to clarify his position.
“It has become imperative to dispel the misrepresentation and patent mischief that has trailed my comment on Facebook,” he wrote. He insisted that his use of the phrase “capital punishment under NYSC” was metaphorical, not literal.
“The highest punishment under NYSC is expulsion. My follow-up comment explaining this was ignored,” Ajayi added.
The presidential aide reaffirmed his commitment to the integrity of the NYSC program, urging Nigerians to uphold discipline, dignity, and respect.
Despite Ajayi’s repeated clarifications, the controversy surrounding his alleged call for the death penalty on an NYSC member refuses to die down.
