Following recent trend, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has stepped forward to support a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, who claims to have been threatened by NYSC officials following her public criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This incident has sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the government’s tolerance towards dissenting voices.
The situation began when Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based corps member, took to TikTok to express her frustrations regarding the economic hardships faced by Nigerians under President Tinubu’s leadership. In her video, she highlighted the challenges citizens are enduring due to recent economic reforms implemented by the administration. The video quickly gained traction, resonating with many Nigerians who share similar sentiments.
However, the aftermath of her online expression took a concerning turn. Uguamaye alleged that officials from the NYSC contacted her, issuing threats and demanding that she remove the video from her social media platforms. This alleged intimidation has raised alarms about the extent to which individuals can freely express their opinions without fear of retribution.
TUC’s Stand on the Matter
Responding to the unfolding events, TUC President, Festus Osifo addressed the issue during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics.” Osifo emphasized that the government’s focus should be on understanding and addressing the underlying frustrations that lead citizens to voice their concerns, rather than targeting individuals who express dissent.
“They (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 stated.
He further questioned the rationale behind targeting a young corps member, suggesting that her actions stem from personal frustration rather than any intent to destabilize the government. Osifo urged the administration to exercise patience and tolerance, recognizing the broader context of citizens’ grievances.
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The incident has also caught the attention of Nigerian politician, Atiku Abubakar as well as the international human rights organizations. Amnesty International condemned the alleged threats against Uguamaye, asserting that the Nigerian authorities must cease responding with intimidation to individuals and groups expressing dissenting opinions. The organization emphasized that holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime and should not be met with threats or violence.
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