Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Amnesty International Nigeria, and human rights lawyers Inibehe Effiong and Festus Ogun have thrown their support behind Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, following her claims of threats from the government agency.
The controversy erupted after Uguamaye’s viral TikTok video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Uguamaye’s Viral Video and Alleged Threats
Uguamaye, known as talktoraye on TikTok, voiced her frustration over Nigeria’s economic hardship, inflation, and the government’s failure to ease citizens’ suffering. In the video, she described Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and criticised Lagos for its living conditions.
After the video gained traction, Uguamaye alleged that NYSC officials threatened her, pressured her to delete the post, and even leaked her personal details. She claimed she had been summoned to the NYSC office, raising concerns for her safety.
Atiku, Amnesty, and Lawyers Speak Out
Atiku Abubakar praised Uguamaye’s boldness, likening her to legendary female activists such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Gambo Sawaba. He described her as a “shining emblem of Nigerian youth” and called for support rather than hostility.
Amnesty International condemned the alleged threats, stating that Uguamaye had a right to express her views. The organisation criticised authorities for targeting individuals instead of addressing economic challenges.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with threats to those expressing dissent. Holding and voicing opinions is not a crime,” Amnesty International stated.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also defended Uguamaye, arguing that corps members are not civil servants and that the NYSC Act does not criminalise criticism of the government. He stressed that freedom of speech is protected under the Nigerian Constitution.
Similarly, lawyer Festus Ogun criticised the NYSC, insisting that no rule should override the constitutional right to free speech. He urged authorities to allow young Nigerians to voice concerns without fear of intimidation.
Social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, also called on the NYSC to address the allegations transparently and protect corps members’ rights.
NYSC Silence and Legal Implications
The NYSC Bye-Laws prohibit corps members from being rude to constituted authorities, with penalties including service extension with half pay. However, legal experts argue that this rule cannot override constitutional rights.
As of press time, the NYSC has yet to release an official statement. Attempts to reach the agency’s spokesperson, Caroline Embu, were unsuccessful.