By Kolawole Ojebisi
Amnesty International Nigeria has accused the Nigerian authorities of attempting to silence dissenting voices rather than addressing citizens’ economic grievances.
The human rights organisation made this claim while condemning the alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye.
Uguamaye’s matter became talk of the town after her viral TikTok video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s government over escalating economic hardship.
But in a statement posted on X on Sunday, the Amnesty International denounced the reported threats from NYSC officials, emphasizing that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes,” Amnesty International stated.
Uguamaye’s video, which gained traction on social media, openly criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader” and lamenting that financial struggles have made hard work feel 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.
While berating the Nigerian government alleged draconian disposition to criticisms, Amnesty International stressed that suppressing dissenting opinions violates the Constitution of the country.
“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.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand accountability, with the hashtag #ProtectRaye gaining traction.
