Amnesty International Nigeria has berated the alleged threats and intimidation against Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, following her viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration over rising economic hardship.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the human rights organization berated NYSC officials over the reported threats, asserting that Uguamaye had the right to express her concerns about the country’s worsening economic situation.
Uguamaye’s video, which went viral on social media, openly berated Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “terrible leader” and lamenting that financial hardships have made hard work seem futile.
She also complained about Lagos State’s poor sanitation, describing it as a “smelling state.”
Shortly after the video went viral, Uguamaye alleged that she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.
She took to Instagram to express fears for her safety, stating that her personal details had been leaked and 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 wrote.
Amnesty International’s statement has 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 sparked a national debate on free speech and the role of the NYSC in suppressing public criticism.
However, according to reports, the NYSC has yet to respond to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
