Amnesty International has strongly condemned threats and intimidation directed at a lady (a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps), who posted TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship.
The lady, identified as Ms Ushie Uguamaye, alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video.
Reacting to this in a post on its X handle on Sunday, Amnesty International said: “It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes.
“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime
Similarly, SERAP in a post on its official X handle, said the President Tinubu led administration should direct the leadership of the NYSC to immediately end the intimidation, 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 We’ll see in court if the threat is not immediately withdrawn.
It urged the NYSC board to 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”, SERAP said.