By Abiola Olawale
A storm of controversy has erupted following allegations that an unidentified official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) threatened a corps member after she publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on social media.
The incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians, raising concerns about freedom of expression.
The corps member, identified only as Rita via her TikTok handle @talktoraye, posted a video expressing frustration over the rising cost of living in Nigeria, calling Tinubu’s government “terrible” for its handling of inflation and economic hardship.
In the viral clip, she lamented the financial s
difficulties facing many Nigerians, including corps members, whose allowances she claimed remain insufficient to cover basic needs.
“If more Nigerians speak up about what we are experiencing, perhaps there will be change,” she said in the video.
Barely 24 hours after the video gained traction online, Rita shared a tearful follow-up video, claiming she had received multiple calls from NYSC officials, urging her to pull down the post.
In one alleged audio exchange, an official was purportedly heard asking, “Are you normal?” before instructing her to delete the video and refrain from further criticism of the government.
Rita however stated that the officials warned her of the consequences ofher action if she persists in what the official termed “insulting” the administration.
The incident has reignited debates over the boundaries of free speech in Nigeria.Public reaction has also been very swift and polarized. On social media platforms, many Nigerians are seen expressing solidarity with Rita, condemning the alleged threats as an abuse of power. Others, however, cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, suggesting that corps members should adhere to the NYSC’s code of conduct, which historically discourages political activism during service.
Below are some reactions curated from social media;
“To the DG, Coordinators and every official of the NYSC!!!
You cannot threaten, intimidate or victimize any corper for expressing their view…
They are citizens with rights!
The president is in office to serve the people, and every Nigerian, Corper or not, has the right to hold their leaders accountable!!!”*(@Mrmacronii)
“NYSC pay Corpers ₦33,000/month, which is just ₦396,000 a year.
“You have to pay rent, feed yourself three times a day, cover electricity bills and transport fares, along with other essential expenses inside the same ₦33,000.”
“You work Monday to Friday, sometimes Saturday, leaving no time to take on side jobs for extra income. Even ₦77,000 wouldn’t be enough!!!”*(@_ladymo)”
“A young Nysc corps member makes a video criticising the govt- and within 24 hours, she has gotten a call from the govt through the Nysc threatening her and summoning her.
“All within 24 hours.
On that same TikTok,…kidnappers and bloodthirsty terrorists post themselves… They are never tracked, never arrested and never threatened by the govt or the authorities.
“In Nigeria today,
Being a whistleblower is a crime.
Speaking against injustice is an offence.
But being an actual criminal is how to become the darling of the state.
… gangsters.”(@Ourfavdoc)”
