The 2023 Labour Party presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), 2023 Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) , Omoyele Sowore among others has in a post condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officials for threatening one of its members Ushie Uguamaye also known as Raye to take down a video where she criticized president Tinubu’s governance, describing him as a “terrible  leader.”

The Lagos-based Corps member had in a TikTok video on Saturday expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and continuous increase in prices of things, under an unrealistic minimum wage.

Additionally, she described Lagos State as a “smelling state,” complaining about its odour and poor living conditions.

Shortly after her video went viral Uguamaye alleged that she began receiving threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the content, however she refused to be silenced claiming she was only stating the obvious.

Obi who compared the Raye’s threat from NYSC officials to his, claimed he has been “subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments.”

He explained further that such actions are against what democracy stands for in a post on Sunday, calling on the government to reflect on its approach

Part of his post read: “Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt.

“I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.

“To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation.

“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

“A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.” Obi added.

The former Vice President Abubakar had expressed admiration of Raye’s courage to speak out loud her frustration on the present administration despite being threatened official.

He likened her action to women activist such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and “other women who have stood resolute in defense of the common good.”

In his words: “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”

The AAC 2023 Presidential aspirant and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore Omoyele sowore in his post simply show support for the Lagos state based corps member: “We are with you all the way; if the @officialnyscng tries anything funny to intimidate, harass, or victimize, we will Ma March on them with utmost resistance!”

While SERAP who advocate for human rights  called on the president to demand immediate withdrawal of threat from NYSC officials, stating that “harassment and threat against a Youth corper, Ushie Uguamaye for reportedly criticising the President over inflation and economic hardship.

“Everyone has a right to criticize their government without fear of reprisals. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. We’ll see in court if the threat is not immediately withdrawn.

“The NYSC board should stop treating criticism as a crime and immediately end the intimidation, harassment and threat against Ms Ushie Uguamaye. The administration must direct the NYSC leadership to guarantee her safety and security.” It declared.

Raye partly in her video had queried: “Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed up my right to complain.

“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 had carried on.

“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.” She added.

By Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth