AMNESTY INT’L CONDEMNS ALLEGED THREATS AGAINST CORPS MEMBER OVER CRITICISM OF TINUBU’S GOVT

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Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the alleged threats and intimidation against Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, following her viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the country’s worsening economic crisis.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, the human rights organization denounced the reported threats from NYSC officials, stressing that Uguamaye had every right to express her concerns about Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation.

“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 stated.

Uguamaye’s video, which quickly gained attention on social media, openly criticized President Tinubu’s leadership, referring to him as a “terrible leader” and expressing frustration that financial hardships have rendered hard work meaningless.

She also condemned Lagos State’s poor sanitation, describing it as a “smelling state.”

Shortly after the video went viral, Uguamaye claimed she started receiving threats, allegedly from NYSC officials, who pressured her to take down the content.

She later took to Instagram to voice concerns about her safety, stating that her personal information had been leakedand that 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.

“They have my address. If you don’t see me online, you know who to hold accountable,” she said.

Amnesty International’s statement also accused the Nigerian authorities of attempting to silence dissenting voices rather than addressing citizens’ economic grievances.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for the Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organization added.

The controversy has ignited a national discussion on free speech and the NYSC’s role in handling public criticism.

Many Nigerians have turned to social media to demand accountability, with the hashtag #ProtectRaye gaining momentum.

Meanwhile, the NYSC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.

However, widespread reactions to the incident have heightened concerns about the suppression of dissent amid Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis.