Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has expressed his full support for Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who has come under fire after posting a viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The video, which went viral on social media, captured Uguamaye lamenting Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and openly challenging the leadership of President Tinubu.
Sowore, a vocal critic of Nigeria’s current political establishment, shared his support for Uguamaye in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. In the video, Sowore revealed that he had met with the NYSC member in Lagos and was accompanying her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s office, where she was summoned. “The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos,” Sowore stated in the video.
He continued, “She is scheduled to appear before the LGI (Local Government Inspector) today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys.” Sowore’s involvement in the case has sparked a renewed public debate on free speech and the consequences of political dissent in Nigeria.
Uguamaye’s video, which she posted on the social media platform TikTok, criticized the government’s handling of Nigeria’s economic challenges. She voiced her frustration with the state of the nation, calling out the administration for its policies and the economic hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians. The video quickly garnered attention and, in turn, sparked a backlash against Uguamaye, with many questioning her right to express such opinions.
Following the viral video, Uguamaye claimed that she had received several threats to her life due to her outspoken comments. In an emotional post, she described how these threats had made her fearful for her safety, especially as her situation began to escalate in the public eye. Her story resonated with many Nigerians who have been increasingly concerned about the erosion of free speech in the country.
The NYSC, the government agency responsible for organizing the mandatory service of Nigerian graduates, has summoned Uguamaye to appear before the Local Government Inspector (LGI) office in Eti Osa 3. The summons was issued following her controversial video. Uguamaye shared a screenshot of the invitation on social media, which confirmed her scheduled appearance at the NYSC office on Monday at 10:00 a.m.
While Sowore’s support for Uguamaye has brought attention to her case, it has also raised questions about the extent to which the NYSC or other authorities will respond to her criticism of the president. Sowore’s advocacy for Uguamaye has prompted many to wonder if she could face disciplinary action or other forms of punishment for her remarks. However, as of now, there has been no official statement from the NYSC regarding what actions, if any, will be taken against her.
The issue has sparked a larger conversation about political dissent and the boundaries of free speech in Nigeria. Critics of the government have voiced concerns that Uguamaye’s treatment is part of a wider effort to suppress political opposition and stifle the voices of young Nigerians who are critical of the current administration.
The situation surrounding Uguamaye has caught the attention of several prominent figures, including former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who expressed his support for the young woman, condemning the threats against her.
