Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos, recently posted a video on her TikTok account, @talktoraye, expressing frustration over Nigeria’s economic challenges. In the video, she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “terrible leader” and questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate citizens’ hardships. She also lamented the high inflation and poor living conditions in Lagos State.

Allegations of Threats from NYSC Officials

Following the video’s circulation, Uguamaye claimed she began receiving threats, allegedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content. She expressed concerns for her safety, stating, “In less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government, starting with the NYSC board!” She further alleged that officials have her personal details and are making efforts to track her down. ​

Summoning and Subsequent Developments

In response to her video, the NYSC summoned Uguamaye to appear before the Local Government Inspector (LGI) at the Eti-Osa Local Government office on Monday at 10 a.m. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, accompanied by a team of lawyers, escorted her to the meeting. However, upon arrival, the NYSC official who issued the summons was absent. Sowore commented on the situation, stating that the LGI had “absconded, failing to show up throughout our stay.”

Support from Prominent Figures and Organizations

Uguamaye’s situation has garnered support from various quarters:​

• Atiku Abubakar: The former Vice President praised her courage, likening her to historic female activists such as Gambo Sawaba and Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti. He stated, “I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power.” ​

• Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP): The organization urged President Tinubu to direct the NYSC to cease any harassment against Uguamaye, emphasizing that “everyone has a right to criticize their government without fear of reprisals.” ​

• Trade Union Congress (TUC): TUC President Festus Osifo expressed that Uguamaye’s comments reflect widespread frustration among Nigerians. He advised the government against personalizing the issue, noting that “people are hungry; people are tired. They need to vent.”

NYSC’s Silence and Public Reaction

As of now, the NYSC has not released an official statement regarding Uguamaye’s allegations. Efforts to reach the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Edwin Megwa, for comments have been unsuccessful. The public remains divided on the issue, with some supporting Uguamaye’s right to free speech, while others believe her actions were inappropriate for a serving corps member. ​

Conclusion

The incident involving Ushie Uguamaye highlights the tension between freedom of expression and institutional protocols within the NYSC. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the broader discourse on citizens’ rights to critique their government without fear of retaliation.