Atiku, Amnesty International, SERAP condemn alleged threat
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has kept mum after a Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, alleged threats for uploading a video where she complained about the high cost of living in Nigeria.

The young lady had on Saturday, March 15, 2025, expressed frustration over Nigeria’s rising cost of living.

She lamented that prices increase consistently, making it difficult for her to survive independently.

The corps member criticised President Bola Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.

The corps member, therefore, claimed she received a warning from the NYSC board, cautioning her about making political statements online.

BUT when The Guardian reached out to the NYSC Director of Press and Publicity, Caroline Embu, she did not answer her call after being called four times. She did not also respond to the text message and a WhatsApp message sent to her.

REACTING, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said: “Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom, her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth, a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”

Similarly, Amnesty International (AI) has condemned the alleged threats and intimidation being faced by the corps member.

In a statement posted on X, yesterday, the human rights organisation noted that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions.

Also, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), in a post on its official X handle, has condemned the threats and intimidation, urging the President Tinubu-led administration to direct the leadership of the NYSC to end the intimidation, harassment and threat against the corps member.

Uguamaye, for reportedly criticising the President over inflation and economic hardship.

It urged the NYSC board to stop treating criticism as a crime and immediately end the intimidation, harassment and threat against Uguamaye.