Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to end threats against individuals who express dissenting opinions, following allegations that a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member was intimidated for criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, known as Raye, posted a widely circulated TikTok video in which she condemned the government over rising inflation and economic hardship.
She described President Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and questioned what actions were being taken to ease citizens’ suffering.
After the video gained traction, Raye claimed she began receiving threatening messages, allegedly from NYSC officials.
Amnesty International, in a statement on X, criticised the threats, stating that instead of silencing critics, the government should prioritise addressing Nigeria’s economic crisis.
“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,” the organisation stated.
Amnesty International warned that responding to dissent with threats violates both Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights laws, stressing that freedom of expression must be protected.
“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,” the organisation added.
