TUC President Festus Osifo, speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, stated that the corps member expressed her frustration and urged the government to be tolerant of critics rather than targeting her.
Lagos-based NYSC member Ushie Uguamaye had posted a video on TikTok criticizing President Tinubu’s administration over the economic hardship Nigerians are facing due to recent reforms. The video quickly went viral, drawing the attention of NYSC officials, whom she later accused of calling and pressuring her to delete it. The NYSC has yet to issue an official response.
Osifo emphasized the need for the government to understand public frustration, urging it not to take criticisms personally or retaliate against individuals expressing their grievances.
“They must develop resilience and recognize that people are frustrated, hungry, and exhausted,” he said. “If they decide to vent, the government should not see it as a personal attack. What real power does a young corps member have to bring down the government? She merely voiced her personal frustration.”
He advised the government to exercise patience and tolerance, acknowledging the struggles Nigerians are currently enduring. However, he also urged critics to express their concerns within acceptable norms and with some level of decorum.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the alleged threats against the corps member, calling on the Federal Government to stop intimidating individuals and groups who criticize the administration.
In a statement posted on its X handle, the organization said, “The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to those expressing dissenting opinions—this disregards both the Nigerian Constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime.
