My petition last week to the Director General of the National Youths Corps Service (NYSC) over the harsh punishment of Abubakar Idris Usman for his article in The Nation last November elicited fifty eight texts and several emails. Only six of the texts and none of the emails defended the action of the NYSC authorities. In the light of the somewhat surprising – to me at least – controversy the case has stirred, I have decided to devote today’s column to the texts. The constraint of space could not, of course, allow me to publish all but I’ve included all six that were critical of my petition.
So far there has been no response from the NYSC authorities on the petition.
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When has it become a crime for someone to say the truth? The young man only shared his problem and that of his fellow corps members. For Christ’s sake, why is he being punished? This is wickedness in its highest order. John +2347037737577 |
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Sir, Abubakar Idris Usman is a young Nigerian with courage. I salute him for this. I don’t see any need for this scheme, when graduates are subjected to live in camps not even fit for animals. Government should do an independent investigation on this matter. I can assure you that Abubakar will be vindicated. Omale Omale +2348022220978 |
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Sir, I cherished your article on the travails of the corps member. Of course, he is not right to write such but the most important thing was that it was not malicious and I think they should forgive him now. Com. Apalowo Thalis, Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo state. +2347066403102 |
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Sir, Well done for your open letter addressed to the NYSC DG. It’s however my view that your son Abubakar lacks respect for the authorities and might have been emboldened to do what he did because of you, a father or “oga at the top” that’s ever prepared to use his position to protect his child, even for ill. Given the fact that you write for The Nation which Abubakar patronised indeed gives you out as an accomplice in this matter. It was therefore wrong of you to have dissuaded him from retracting the article. If Abubakar didn’t learn some decency and respect while in school please let him learn it now. After all the condition at the university he attended was not perfect and yet I am not sure he ever wrote about it. Rather than therefore positioning him for appointment at The Nation after his service year, I am sure there’s a more decent way of doing so than encouraging him to disrespect his bosses. Daniel +2347038533474 |
| Sir, Yours of 8/5/2013 was very disturbing. Kindly do me a favour – if you will spare time to do it! – by letting me know how the issue of Abubakar Idris Usman will be treated by NYSC. Abdullahi Dodo Maijama’a. 2348033143372 |
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Sir, Thank you very much for telling Nigerians the plight of corper Abubakar. His case has once again brought to the fore one of the many injustices plaguing this nation. I believe he should not be made to suffer unjustly for speaking the truth. It is those women without conscience who should search their minds and right the wrongs they have done the gentleman. Ojo A Ayodele Emure Ekiti +2347033168889 |
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Sir, It is a pity that the NYSC is good and quick at punishing corps members. There are tens of corps members who redeployed to Ondo state officially and have not gotten any monthly allowance for the past ten months. They will pass out next month. They have been suffering in silence. I have a sister among them. I’ve tried to use my influence to help her but without success. Our prayer is that God should court-martial those wicked NYSC officials one day. Adebisi P.A. Akure. +2348034703653 |
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Sir, It is important to observe the BYE-LAWS of any organization you find yourself in. If you are new to that organization like Usman was to NYSC, study the rules that guide it. Usman has committed an offence punishable by NYSC Bye-Laws. A corps member is not permitted to make a publication in a national media or talk to the press without the permission of NYSC D.G. They have laid down channel of communication on camp and outside camp. I don’t think Usman had good training. E. Z. Dia +2348037789957 |
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Sir, Thank you for the letter to NYSC DG. Indeed the state directors pre-warn corpers never to narrate their experiences or ask the DG questions. +2348022900875 |
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Sir, What exactly is this? A young man is being punished needlessly for writing the truth! What manner of people are these who have been placed in positions to guide the young? They are, in my mind, the wrong crowd to do this! This young man need not beg to get his right. Let him seek justice! What a country! Dokun Adedeji, Ikeja Lagos. +2348033023620 |
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Sir, I honestly felt disappointed today with your submission. One of the most informed columns in the land became a platform for personal agitation. Bad for a nation literarily at war within. And you have access to the agency! Please for a long time reader of People and Politics like me, the dregs of the earth and the locusts in the palace, deserves focus. Please not about your daughter next week! Tunde Esan +2348033109878 |
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Sir, Can someone help me tell this old generation to allow us grow. We the young generation can’t rule, can’t talk, and we are not even allowed to complain on ills they daily pour on us. God save us. ChiChi From PH +2348091140815 |
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Your article on the youth corps member brought tears to my eyes. Why should anyone be victimized for writing an article? But then, what is The Nation doing about it since the paper published the article? This is really sad +2348023255224 |
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Sir, That report on the travail of corps member Usman is fair and convincing. I am sure your ward did not put his case clearly. He breached the channels of communication. None the less he should write the DG, NYSC for a review and pardon. The NYSC family is not stone hearted Dr. Abhuere, former director, Corps Welfare NYSC HQ Abuja +2348037017956 |
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Sir, In an ideal country the issues raised by Abubakar would have been addressed by NYSC authority instead of going for the young man’s jugular. This is similar to the President’s visit to the Police College. Indeed there was a country. Elvis Ebanehita. 2348057201481 |
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Sir, Idris is not foolish. It is our system (that is the problem). Please encourage him. His time will surely come. WOLE ENIAYEWUN LAGOS2348185768334 |
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Sir, This God-fatherism role you seem to play for your son Abubakar has not helped in our youths disciplinary effort. It’s good you blamed him for doing what he did but you must not interfere in the job of his boss. All camps all over the world are never places of luxury and your son is privileged to be there not as a spy that washes his house dirty in public. Let his bosses do their jobs. Chief Bashiomele, Auchi Edo State. +2348059956056 |
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Sir, You are a good father, but how many unfortunate corpers have been punished for telling the authority the truth? God save Nigeria +2348023463851 |
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Sir, You see, what’s happening to this young man exemplifies the hypocrisy that is a major part of Nigeria’s problem. You say it as it is, and they say you’re criticising the government. Is government infallible? Why should saying what’s wrong be construed as an offence? It’s all part of Jonathan (PDP) legacy to Nigeria. Remember the President’s anger when Channel’s TV did an expose on Police College, Ikeja? Fish rots from the head, my brother. Gab A. Uche, Umuahia, Abia State, +2348051481333 |
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Sir, My advice is that this case should be taken to higher authority. There should not be anything like plea or appeal as young man has done nothing wrong. Instead of intimidating him, he should be commended. Elder F.0gorry. +2348023529722 |
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Sir, I’m glad you drew the attention of NYSC Director- General to this ugly incident. There are many other Abubakars out there whose creative talents are being stultified by leaders without vision. BA Ikeagwu, Owerri. 2348035664612 |
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Sir, Methinks your ‘son’ should report to Delta. Did you as a northerner serve in the North? I think the SSS should watch your son very closely. I don’t like his guts and obstinacy. John, Zaria +2348028721705 |
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Sir, Thank you for highlighting this injustice. The Senator representing the young man should take it up. +2348091906116 |
