Video | NYSC Member, Ushie Uguamaye, Alleges Threats After Viral Video Criticizing Tinubu’s Government

NYSC Member Alleges Threats After Viral Video Criticizing Tinubu’s Government

A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, has raised alarm over alleged threats following her viral video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s government over economic hardship.

In a TikTok post via her handle @talktoraye, Uguamaye voiced frustration over skyrocketing inflation, lamenting that hard work now seems pointless in Nigeria. She went as far as calling Tinubu a “terrible leader”, questioning his administration’s approach to the country’s economic woes.

She also took a swipe at Lagos, describing it as a “smelling state” due to its poor sanitation and living conditions.

However, after her video gained widespread attention, Uguamaye alleged that she began receiving threats from NYSC officials, demanding she take it down. She took to Instagram (@iamraye__) to express her fears, insisting she would not be silenced.

“Dear Nigerians, I’m already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue. Less than 24 hours, and the government is already on my neck!”

She further claimed that her address was known and urged Nigerians to hold the authorities accountable if anything happened to her.

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has stepped in, warning the Federal Government to stop intimidating individuals for speaking their minds. TUC President Festus Osifo, speaking on Channels TV, advised the government to tolerate criticism rather than hunt down frustrated citizens.

Similarly, Amnesty International has condemned the alleged threats, urging the government to respect freedom of expression.

🎤 What do you think about this? Should NYSC punish her, or does she have the right to speak out? Drop your thoughts below! 👇👇

The Price of Speaking Out – Ushie Uguamaye’s Viral Video and the Threats That Followed
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, but in Nigeria, it often comes at a cost. This has become evident once again following the ordeal of Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based NYSC member, who took to social media to criticise President Bola Tinubu’s government over inflation and economic hardship.

Her bold TikTok video highlighted the frustration of many Nigerians struggling to cope with rising prices and worsening living conditions. But instead of sparking constructive dialogue, it allegedly attracted threats from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the post.

The Viral Video That Sparked Outrage

Uguamaye didn’t mince words in her video, calling Tinubu a “terrible leader” and questioning his administration’s economic policies. She went further to criticise Lagos, calling it a “smelling state”, expressing her discontent with its poor sanitation and living standards.

Her post resonated with thousands of Nigerians online, many of whom agreed with her sentiments. But as her message spread, so did the pressure to silence her.

“They Have My Address” – A Cry for Help

In a follow-up post on Instagram, Uguamaye revealed that she was being threatened to retract her statement, a move she described as an attempt to suppress free speech.

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

She also warned that if she mysteriously disappeared or faced repercussions, Nigerians should hold the authorities accountable.

TUC and Amnesty International Weigh In

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has since spoken out in her defense, urging the government to allow frustrated citizens to air their grievances without fear of intimidation.

TUC President Festus Osifo advised the government to be more tolerant of criticism, reminding them that many Nigerians are struggling and voicing their pain shouldn’t be met with threats.

Amnesty International also condemned the situation, calling for an end to the harassment of individuals who challenge the government.

Silencing Critics or Addressing the Issues?

Rather than threatening individuals for speaking out, shouldn’t the government focus on fixing the economy? If a young corps member can risk so much just to express her frustration, it only confirms the severity of Nigeria’s economic reality.

This case has once again highlighted the thin line between free speech and state repression. Should NYSC punish her for expressing her opinion, or should the government take her words as a wake-up call?

What do you think? Drop your comments below! 🗣️🔥