The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has yet to address claims of intimidation made by Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based corps member, who accused the organization of threatening her after she publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a TikTok video that gained widespread attention on Saturday, posted under her handle talktoraye, Uguamaye voiced her discontent with Nigeria’s deteriorating economy, highlighting rampant inflation and widespread hardship. She labeled President Tinubu a “terrible leader” and questioned the government’s efforts to ease citizens’ struggles, while also calling Lagos State a “smelling state” with deplorable living conditions.
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking discussions that amplified her grievances and propelled the clip to viral status. Following this, Uguamaye uploaded a second video on TikTok, alleging that NYSC officials were pressuring her to remove the original post. She maintained that she had merely spoken the truth about Nigeria’s challenges. In her words, “Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue. In less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government, starting with the NYSC board! Dear Nigerians, they have my address. In case you don’t see me online, please know who to hold accountable. I didn’t do anything wrong—I just asked them to address inflation.”
Uguamaye emphasized her right to free speech, arguing that her status as an NYSC corps member should not strip her of her constitutional freedoms. “Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed away my right to complain. Why can’t the government listen to its citizens’ criticisms? They think they can control me through NYSC, and they’re using it against me. #officialasiwajubat I didn’t do anything wrong. I criticized your government, and I demand that we’re heard,” she stated. She further vowed not to delete the video, asserting that doing so would conceal any repercussions she might face, and called on the NYSC to cease its alleged threats, especially since she had already been summoned to their office on Monday.
“She’s asking people to identify me? I’m not a criminal. I’ve read the NYSC rules—I didn’t break any. Tell the NYSC official to stop asking people to point me out. She’s acting intimidating,” Uguamaye added. “Dear NYSC, if a corper has done something wrong, you wouldn’t treat them like this or scare them! You’re making me fear for my life. Leave me alone. You told me to report on Monday—fine. What more do you want? I was just exercising my right to free speech, a right every citizen has, unless they’re saying being an NYSC corper makes me less of a citizen.”
Efforts to reach the NYSC for comment proved futile, as Edwin Megwa, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, did not respond to calls or messages by Sunday evening, when this report was filed.
Uguamaye’s allegations have sparked varied reactions. Some individuals and groups have praised her for her outspokenness, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. In a Sunday post on X, Atiku commended her bravery, portraying her as part of a rising generation of women driving political engagement and advocacy. “Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion popular participation and fearless advocacy in politics. I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her resolve to speak truth to power despite opposition,” he wrote. He compared her to iconic Nigerian activists like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, urging support for her rather than censure. “Raye deserves encouragement, not hostility. She’s a shining example of Nigerian youth, proof that tomorrow’s leaders are already here, ready to forge a better future,” Atiku concluded.
Likewise, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a statement on X on Sunday, calling on President Tinubu to order the NYSC to halt its alleged harassment of Uguamaye. SERAP stressed that criticizing the government is a basic right that should not invite retaliation. “The Tinubu administration must instruct NYSC leadership to immediately stop intimidating, harassing, and threatening Ushie Uguamaye for criticizing the President over inflation and hardship. Freedom of expression is fundamental. If these threats don’t stop, we’ll pursue legal action. The NYSC should not treat criticism as a crime and must ensure her safety,” SERAP demanded.
While some social media users have rallied behind Uguamaye, others have criticized her for challenging the government, reflecting a divided public response to her stance.
