Reactions have continued to trail the alleged threats received by a member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Lagos State after she posted a video on TikTok criticising President Bola Tinubu.
The corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, had expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, describing President Tinubu as a ‘terrible president’.
Less than 24 hours after posting the first video on her TikTok account, @talktoraye, Uguamaye made another video alleging that she received threats from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the video.
She wrote on Instagram “Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue. Less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government starting with the NYSC board.
“Dear Nigerians, they have my address. In case you guys don’t see me online, please you know who to hold accountable. I didn’t do anything wrong, I just asked that they work on the inflation.
“Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed up my right to complain.
“Why can’t the government listen to the critics of its citizens? They believe they have a chain on me, which is NYSC, and they are using it to hold me. #officialasiwajubat I didn’t do anything wrong. I criticised your government and I demand that we are being heard.”
Reacting, many Nigerians called on the management of the NYSC to respect Uguamaye’s right to free speech. Netizens on X also started #TinubuIsATerriblePresident
Amnesty International said the corps member was within her rights to express frustration at the state of things in the country.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes,” the organization wrote on X.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the corps member as a symbol of a new generation of politically engaged women committed to advocacy and democratic participation.
“Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.
“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,
“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future,” Atiku said.
Popular comedian and activist, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni also added his voice to support Uguamaye stating that NYSC officials cannot threaten, intimidate, or victimise any corper for expressing their views on the performance of the president.
“To the DG, Coordinators, and every official of the NYSC!!! You cannot threaten, intimidate, or victimise any corper for expressing their views on the performance of the president. They are citizens with rights! The president is in office to serve the people, and every Nigerian, corper or not, has the right to hold their leaders accountable” he wrote.
Human Rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong explained that criticizing the President or the government is not an offence under the NYSC Act. He noted that Uguamaye has also not violated the NYSC bye laws. The lawyer referenced section 13 of the NYSC Act and Section 4 of the Revised Bye Laws, 2011.
On his part, a medical doctor, Chinonso Egemba popularly known as Aproko Doctor condemned the way the corps member has been bullied.
“When you call out government agencies on inadequacies, instead of trying to put heads together to solve the problem(s). They resort to bullying. I’ve never seen any government that hates feedback pass our own,” he wrote on X.
Amnesty International, Atiku, Others Condemn Alleged Bullying Of Corp Member For Criticising Tinubu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
