A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, has raised concerns over alleged threats following her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration for economic hardship and inflation.
In a TikTok video, Uguamaye voiced frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, lamenting that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability. She openly criticized Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader,” and accused the government of failing to address citizens’ suffering.
Beyond the economic critique, the Lagos-based Corps member also took aim at Lagos, describing it as a “smelling state” with poor living conditions.
Her comments triggered a backlash, and she later revealed on Instagram (#iamraye__) that she was facing threats, allegedly from the NYSC board, pressuring her to stop speaking out.
“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,” she wrote.
She also claimed that authorities had accessed her personal details, further intensifying her fears.
“They have my address. In case you guys don’t see me online, please, you know who to hold accountable. I didn’t do anything wrong, I just asked that they work on inflation.”
Uguamaye insisted that her right to free speech as a Nigerian citizen should not be suppressed, arguing that being a corps member does not strip her of the right to critique the government.
“Why can’t I speak up? Why can’t the government listen to its citizens? They believe they have a chain on me, which is NYSC, and they are using it to hold me.”
She also accused an NYSC official of allegedly encouraging people to identify her, questioning why she was being treated like a criminal for merely expressing her views.
Her allegations have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether the NYSC is attempting to suppress free speech among corps members.
