Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former Governor of Anambra State, has condemned the alleged intimidation of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, following her criticism of President Bola Tinubu's administration. In a viral TikTok video, Uguamaye expressed frustration over escalating commodity prices and referred to President Tinubu as a "terrible president." Subsequently, reports emerged that NYSC officials summoned and threatened her over the video.
Obi highlighted a troubling trend where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement. He noted that he, too, has faced threats for offering constructive suggestions and comments, facing daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Obi emphasized that such actions are antithetical to democratic principles, stating that a government silencing its citizens is neither democratic nor accountable, and is often corrupt.
He called on the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent, recognizing that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress. Obi urged all patriotic Nigerians to stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for 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.
Amnesty International also condemned the alleged threats against Uguamaye, urging Nigerian authorities to stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups expressing dissenting opinions. The organization emphasized that holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime, and such actions violate both the Nigerian constitution and international law.
This incident has sparked public outrage, with many Nigerians taking to social media to denounce any attempts to suppress freedom of speech. As of now, the NYSC has not issued an official response regarding these accusations.
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Profman1
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