By Fidel Ozugha
The Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been warned to stop threatening and intimidating those who criticize the policies and programs the current administration dishes out to the citizens.
Dropping this on Sunday in a statement on its X handle, Amnesty International said “The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime.”
This followed a viral TikTok video where a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye criticised President Tinubu’s government over hardship Nigerians face as a result of the economic reforms.
NYSC Member Uguamaye under threat as a serving corps
The human rights watchdog denounced the reported threats from NYSC officials, emphasising that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials threatened her for refusing to delete the video,” the statement read.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes.
“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.”
