The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is under fire after Lagos-based corper Ushie Uguamaye alleged that she is being threatened for criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a viral TikTok video, Uguamaye expressed frustration over Nigeria’s economic hardship, inflation, and poor living conditions. She went as far as calling Lagos a “smelling state” and described Tinubu as a “terrible leader,” questioning the government’s efforts to ease citizens’ struggles.
The corper claimed that in less than 24 hours, the NYSC board had begun threatening her, allegedly using her service status to silence her. “Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I gave up my right to complain,” she insisted.
Her allegations have sparked mixed reactions. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar hailed her courage, likening her to iconic female activists like Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo. Meanwhile, the Social-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Tinubu administration to stop the NYSC from intimidating her, warning that they are ready to take legal action if necessary.
As the debate intensifies, the NYSC has remained silent. Will Ushie Uguamaye face consequences for speaking out, or will this ignite a broader conversation about free speech in Nigeria?