A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, has claimed she is facing threats after her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration over rising inflation and economic hardship.
In the video posted on her TikTok account (@talktoraye) on Saturday, Uguamaye voiced her frustration over Nigeria’s deteriorating economy, arguing that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.
She did not hold back in her criticism, referring to Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of citizens. She also criticized Lagos State, calling it a “smelling state” due to its poor living conditions.
However, following the video’s widespread circulation, Uguamaye alleged that NYSC officials began pressuring her to take it down. Taking to Instagram (@iamraye__), she expressed concern over what she described as attempts to silence her.
In a series of posts, Uguamaye shared her fears over the alleged threats:
“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 further claimed that those behind the threats had access to her personal details:
“Dear Nigerians, 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 status as a corps member should not strip her of her fundamental rights:
“Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed away my right to complain. Why can’t the government listen to the critics of its citizens?”
She also alleged that an NYSC official was trying to identify her through social media, saying:
“She’s asking people to identify me? I’m not a criminal. Reading the NYSC rules, I didn’t commit any crime. Why are they looking for me like I’m a criminal? I made sure not to accuse the government of anything maliciously! I questioned them.”
“Why can’t the government listen to the critics of its citizens? They believe they have a chain on me, which is NYSC, and they are using it to hold me. #officialasiwajubat I didn’t do anything wrong. I criticised your government and I demand that we are being heard.”
She added, “Deleting this content is of no use: because they already know me. However, deleting it means whatever they do to me, nobody would know. If they decide to give me a hefty punishment, nobody would know because I used my own hands to cover it by deleting what I started.
“She’s asking people to Identify me? I’m not a criminal. Reading the NYSC rules, I didn’t commit any crime. Ask the NYSC lady to stop asking people to point me out, she’s acting scary.
“All I did was lament, all I did was complain. I’m getting tons of messages like this from my fellow corpers. What is wrong with just one person complaining? Why are they looking for me like I’m a criminal? I’m not dumb.
“I made sure to not accuse the government of anything maliciously! I questioned them. I asked questions. As an NYSC Corper, I didn’t sign off my freedom of speech.
“Leave me alone bruh. they keep calling me and I’ve switched of my phones now they are texting me my personal details on WhatsApp to inform me they know me well.
“Dear NYSC if you say a corper has faulted, you wouldn’t treat them like this and scare them! You are scaring me for my dear life. Please, leave me alone. You told me to report to the office on Monday. Okay! What else? Why are you looking for me? I just exercised my right to using the ‘Freedom of Speech’
this is the right of every citizen. Except they tell me being an NYSC Corper removes me from being a citizen.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his support behind Uguamaye, hailing her as a symbol of the new generation of politically engaged youth.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Atiku praised her boldness and wisdom, saying:
“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 fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by opposition.”
Atiku further stated that instead of hostility, Uguamaye deserved encouragement and support, describing her as:
“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.”
Uguamaye’s claims have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether NYSC is suppressing free speech among corps members. While some believe she should be allowed to express her opinions, others argue that serving corps members must adhere to NYSC regulations regarding political neutrality.
As of now, the NYSC has not officially responded to the allegations. However, the situation continues to attract widespread attention, with many closely watching how it unfolds.