PeakNews Online
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the federal government to refrain from targeting a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who recently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a viral video.
The Lagos-based corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, had taken to TikTok to express frustration over the economic hardship Nigerians are facing due to the government’s policies. Following the video’s widespread circulation, she alleged that NYSC officials contacted her, pressuring her to delete the video and threatening her.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, TUC President Festus Osifo urged the government to tolerate criticism rather than going after individuals who express their frustrations.
“They (the government) have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalize it and come after such individuals,” Osifo said.
He further emphasized that the government must exercise patience, as many Nigerians are experiencing significant economic difficulties. However, he advised critics to express their grievances within reasonable norms and with decorum.
Meanwhile, the NYSC is yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.
Amnesty International has also condemned the alleged threats against the corps member, stating that Nigerian authorities must respect citizens’ right to dissent.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for the Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organization wrote on its X (formerly Twitter) handle.
