Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to stop threatening individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions about the administration.

In a statement on Sunday via its official X handle, the human rights organization condemned what it described as a pattern of intimidation against critics, urging authorities to uphold constitutional and international protections for free speech.

“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,” Amnesty International stated.

The organization also denounced the alleged threats faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Uguamaye, who reportedly faced intimidation from NYSC officials after posting a viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted a TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video,” the statement read.

Vanguard reports that the rights group stressed that Uguamaye was within her rights to express frustration over Nigeria’s economic challenges and called on authorities to address the issues rather than suppress criticism.

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritize addressing the country’s economic woes.

“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights,” Amnesty International added.

Uguamaye alleged that after her video went viral, she received threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content. She also expressed concerns for her safety, claiming that her personal details had been leaked and that she was being forced to report to the NYSC office.

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