Ushie Uguamaye

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has yet to respond to allegations made by Lagos-based corps member Ushie Uguamaye, who claims she is facing threats for criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a viral video posted on her TikTok account, talktoraye, on Saturday, Uguamaye expressed frustration over Nigeria’s economic challenges, highlighting rising inflation and worsening hardship. She also referred to Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and questioned his administration’s efforts to address the crisis.

Additionally, she criticized the living conditions in Lagos State, describing it as a “smelling state.”

Following the video’s circulation, Uguamaye later posted another video alleging that NYSC officials were pressuring her to delete the content. She claimed the threats began less than 24 hours after the video went viral.

“Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue. They have my address. If you don’t see me online, you know who to hold accountable,” she wrote.

Uguamaye insisted she had done nothing wrong, stating that as a citizen, she had the right to voice her concerns. She refused to delete the video, arguing that doing so would only conceal any repercussions she might face.

“Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed away my right to complain,” she added.

She further alleged that NYSC officials were actively searching for her and treating her unfairly.

“Dear NYSC, if a corper has done wrong, this is not the way to treat them. You are scaring me for my life. I was told to report to the office on Monday—so why are you still looking for me?”

Despite multiple attempts to reach NYSC’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Edwin Megwa, for comments on Sunday, he did not respond to calls or messages.

Meanwhile, Uguamaye’s allegations have sparked mixed reactions. Some individuals and organizations have backed her right to free speech, while others have criticized her approach.

Among those supporting her is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who praised her courage in a statement on X. Atiku described her as a representative of a new generation of politically conscious women, likening her to historical female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo.

“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She represents the promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us,” Atiku stated.

Similarly, the Social-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on President Tinubu to intervene, urging the NYSC to stop intimidating Uguamaye.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. The NYSC must end this intimidation and guarantee her safety,” SERAP stated.

While many social media users have rallied behind Uguamaye, others have condemned her remarks, arguing that criticism of the government should be done with caution.

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