Amnesty International condemns threats against NYSC member for complaining about smelling Lagos
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Amnesty International has condemned alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Ushie Uguamaye, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Lagos, after she posted a viral TikTok video criticising President Bola Tinubu over the worsening national economic hardship.
A statement Amnesty posted on X on Sunday argued that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the lingering economic conditions and condemned in strong terms the reported threats from NYSC officials against the lady.
“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 said.
Uguamaye’s video scotched Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader” and lamented that financial struggles have made hardwork feel futile.
She complained about poor sanitation in Lagos, describing it as a “smelling state.”
She alleged that shortly after the video went viral, she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.
Uguamaye then took to Instagram to express fears for her safety, saying her personal details has 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 posted.
Amnesty also accused the Nigerian authorities of attempting to silence dissenting voices rather than addressing citizens’ economic grievances.
The group asked Abuja to stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions.
“Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” it stressed 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.
NYSC members
Read also:
Police Inspector shoots himself dead with own police pistol; girl, 16, hangs on a tree
