Amnesty International has condemned officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for allegedly sending threatening messages to a corps member who criticised the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration over rising inflation and economic hardship.
Daily Trust had reported how the corps member Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, in a widely circulated video shared on Tiktok expressed frustration over the deteriorating economic conditions in Nigeria.
She openly tackled President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned what steps the government is taking to ease the suffering of citizens.
After her video gained traction, the serving corps member claimed she began receiving threatening messages, allegedly from NYSC officials.
She shared another video in which she was receiving calls from an NYSC official.
In the video, the official could be heard saying, “Are you normal? Keep quiet and bring down the video you posted.”
Reacting, Amnesty International, in a post on X, said instead of threatening her, the authorities “should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes.”
“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.
“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the human rights organisation said.
Also reacting, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed support for the Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member who claimed to have received threats after her viral video criticising President Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Atiku praised Raye’s courage, describing her 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,” Atiku wrote.
The former presidential candidate likened Raye to historic female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Atiku called for support rather than hostility towards Raye.
“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.
Similarly, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has rejected the reported harassment of the serving corps member.
Obi, who spoke on Sunday night on his X handle, said her case was not isolated as he too had been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments.
“I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt.
“I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognise that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress. To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation.”
“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision, nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation,” Obi said.
He said a just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.
Authorities have yet to comment on her allegations.
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