Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, following her viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic conditions.
In a statement posted Sunday on X (formerly Twitter), the human rights organization denounced reported threats from NYSC officials, emphasizing that Uguamaye had every right to voice her frustrations.
“Peaceful expression of dissent is a fundamental right. Rather than suppressing criticism, authorities should focus on addressing the economic hardship affecting millions of Nigerians,” Amnesty International stated.
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Uguamaye’s video, which sparked widespread online reactions, openly criticized Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader” and lamenting the rising cost of living. She also expressed dissatisfaction with the sanitation conditions in Lagos, referring to the state as “smelling.”
Following the video’s circulation, Uguamaye claimed she began receiving threats, allegedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content. She later took to Instagram, voicing concerns for her safety.
“Dear Nigerians, I am being threatened by the NYSC board for speaking up. They have my address. If I go missing, you know who to hold accountable,” she wrote.
Amnesty International accused the Nigerian government of systematically stifling dissenting voices rather than addressing legitimate grievances.
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“The pattern of using threats and intimidation to silence critical voices is unacceptable. Freedom of expression is a constitutional right, not a privilege,” the organization asserted.
The controversy has sparked a national conversation on free speech and the role of government institutions in handling criticism. Social media users have rallied behind Uguamaye, with the hashtag #ProtectRaye trending online.
Meanwhile, NYSC officials have yet to release an official response to the allegations. However, the incident has reignited concerns over shrinking civic space amid Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis.
