The alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member, Ushie Uguamaye, after her viral TikTok video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s government over escalating economic hardship, has been condemned by the Amnesty International.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the human rights organisation noted that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions and condemned in strong terms the reported threats from NYSC officials against the corper.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes,” Amnesty International said in the statement.
Uguamaye’s video openly criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader” and lamented that financial struggles have made hardwork feel futile.
The NYSC member also complained about poor sanitation in Lagos State, describing it as a “smelling state”.
Uguamaye alleged that shortly after the video went viral, she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.
She then took to Instagram to express fears for her safety, saying that her personal details had been leaked and she was being pressured to report to the NYSC office.
“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,” she said.
Amnesty International’s statement also accused the Nigerian authorities of attempting to silence dissenting voices rather than addressing citizens’ economic grievances.
The group said Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions.
“Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the statement added.
The controversy has sparked a national debate on free speech and the role of the NYSC in suppressing public criticism.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand accountability, with the hashtag #ProtectRaye gaining traction.