Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos State, Nigeria, gained national attention in March 2025 after posting a viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In the video, she lamented the country’s economic hardships, high inflation, and deteriorating living conditions, referring to President Tinubu as a “terrible leader.”
Background and Personal Life
Details about Uguamaye’s early life, including her date of birth, place of birth, and educational background, are not widely documented. However, it is known that she hails from Obudu in Cross River State, Nigeria. Her father, Mr. Raphael A. Ushie, was a Chief Inspector of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). He tragically passed away in May 2019 after participating in a protest against the demolition of his palm plantation to make way for the Obudu International Airport. This incident left the family without compensation for their loss.
Viral Video and Subsequent Summons
In her TikTok video, Uguamaye expressed frustration over the skyrocketing cost of goods and services in Nigeria, highlighting the financial struggles faced by citizens, including NYSC members. She questioned the government’s efforts to address these issues and criticized Lagos State for poor living conditions. Following the video’s circulation, Uguamaye received a summons from the NYSC to appear before the Local Government Inspector (LGI) at the Eti-Osa office in Lagos on March 17, 2025.
Allegations of Threats and Safety Concerns
After the video’s release, Uguamaye reported receiving threats, allegedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content. She expressed fears for her safety, stating that officials had her personal details and were making efforts to track her down. In a social media post, she alerted the public to her situation, indicating that if she were to go offline, the authorities should be held accountable.
Support and Criticism
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore accompanied Uguamaye to the NYSC office in Lagos, drawing national attention to her case. His involvement highlighted concerns about freedom of speech and the treatment of individuals who criticize the government. The situation sparked debates about the balance between adhering to NYSC regulations and exercising constitutional rights to free expression.
Current Status
As of March 18, 2025, there have been no official statements from the NYSC regarding any disciplinary actions against Uguamaye. The situation has ignited discussions on social media and among civil rights organizations about the rights of citizens to express dissenting opinions without fear of retribution.
Conclusion
Ushie Rita Uguamaye’s case underscores the challenges faced by individuals in Nigeria when expressing dissatisfaction with governmental policies. It brings to the forefront issues related to freedom of speech, the role of youth in political discourse, and the responsibilities of governmental institutions in addressing citizens’ grievances
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