Obi Condemns Alleged Intimidation of NYSC Member Over Criticism of Tinubu

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former Governor of Anambra State, has strongly 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 her frustration over rising commodity prices and referred to President Tinubu as a “terrible president.” Following the video’s circulation, reports emerged that NYSC officials summoned Uguamaye and threatened her over the content of her post.

Obi, in a statement, expressed his concern over a troubling pattern in which individuals speaking out against the government face intimidation instead of engagement. “This is a disturbing trend,” Obi remarked, “where voices of reason and truth are met with threats rather than constructive dialogue.” He added that he, too, has faced similar challenges for expressing views that offered solutions to the nation’s problems, saying he encounters “daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling.”

The former governor condemned the actions of the authorities, asserting that a government that silences its citizens is neither democratic nor accountable. He emphasized that such practices often signal a deeper problem of corruption within the system. “When a government stifles dissent, it erodes the very essence of democracy,” Obi said. “This is not how a democratic society should function.”

Obi also called on the administration of President Tinubu to reflect on its stance toward dissent and criticism. “Constructive criticism is vital for the democratic progress of any nation,” Obi continued. “A nation cannot thrive if it suppresses its people’s right to speak freely about the issues that affect them.”

In his statement, Obi urged Nigerians to remain firm in their resolve to defend freedom of speech. “We must stand together to ensure that freedom of expression remains a fundamental right for all citizens,” he declared, encouraging Nigerians to continue advocating for accountability in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

Amnesty International has also weighed in on the situation, condemning the alleged threats against Uguamaye. The organization called on Nigerian authorities to stop responding to dissent with intimidation and violence. Amnesty International stated that “holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” and that attempts to suppress such speech violate both Nigerian law and international human rights standards.