Breaking: SERAP Sends Urgent Message to Tinubu over NYSC’s Alleged Threat to Lagos Corper

Breaking: SERAP Sends Urgent Message to Tinubu over NYSC’s Alleged Threat to Lagos Corper

  • The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged Tinubu’s administration to stop the alleged intimidation and harassment of NYSC member Ushie Uguamaye
  • Uguamaye, a Lagos corper, posted a TikTok video lamenting the rising cost of living and describing Tinubu as a “terrible president,” which led to threats and a summon from NYSC
  • SERAP has warned that if the intimidation persists, the organisation will take legal action, noting that "freedom of expression is a fundamental right"

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to immediately end the intimidation, harassment and threat against a Youth corper identified as Ushie Uguamaye.

SERAP noted that everyone had a right to criticise their government without fear of reprisals.

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SERAP reacts as NYSC member alleges threat after attacking Tinubu
SERAP condemns threat against NYSC member, sends message to Tinubu. Photo credit: Asiwjau Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @SERAPNigeria
Source: Twitter

Corps member criticises Tinubu's government

The controversy began when Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos, posted a viral TikTok video lamenting the soaring cost of living under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

She tearfully called Bola Tinubu a “terrible president” and pointed to rampant inflation and poor living conditions, including describing Lagos as a “smelling state.”

The video quickly gained traction, sparking widespread discussion online. However, within hours, Uguamaye claimed she received calls from NYSC officials demanding she remove the post, followed by a summon to appear before a panel at the NYSC secretariat in Eti-Osa on March 17, 2025.

She later expressed fears for her safety, alleging her personal details had been leaked and that threats were intensifying.

SERAP tells Tinubu to protect embattled corper

NYSC raises alarm after criticising Tinubu's FG, SERAP vows legal action
Tinubu told to stop NYSC from harassing or intimidating Lagos corper who criticised his government. Photo credit: Asiwjau Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @SERAPNigeria
Source: Twitter

Reacting to the NYSC’s alleged response to the viral video, SERAP, in a statement shared on its official website on X on Sunday, March 16, insisted that "freedom of expression was a fundamental right".

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Breaking: Sowore accompanies Lagos corper who tackled Tinubu to NYSC office, shares update, photos

SERAP therefore called on President Tinubu-led administration to stop NYSC from further intimidating the corps member and ensure her safety.

SERAP tweeted:

"Everyone has a right to criticize their government without fear of reprisals. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. We’ll see in court if the threat is not immediately withdrawn.
"The NYSC board should stop treating criticism as a crime and immediately end the intimidation, harassment and threat against Ms Ushie Uguamaye.
"The administration must direct the NYSC leadership to guarantee her safety and security."

Read more about the NYSC saga here:

VDM makes offer to viral NYSC member

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported earlier that social media critic VDM defended the NYSC member over her comment about Tinubu's government.

Read also

Peter Obi slams Tinubu, NYSC over threats to corps member’s free speech

VDM shared what the corps member should expect after her comment. He also made an offer to her in case she got blacklisted.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Esther Odili avatar

Esther Odili (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Esther Odili is a journalist and a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng with 6+ years of experience. She Holds OND and HND in Mass Communication from the Nigerian Institue of Journalism (NIJ), where she was recognized as the best student in print journalism in 2018. Before joining Legit.ng, Esther has worked with other reputable media houses, such as the New Telegraph newspaper and Galaxy Television. In 2024, Esther obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. Email: esther.odili@corp.legit.ng.

Nkem Ikeke avatar

Nkem Ikeke (Copy editor) Nkem Ikeke is currently a copy editor who also writes for the politics and current affairs desk on weekends. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2010), and has over 10 years of work experience in the media industry (Reporter, News Agency of Nigeria). Email: n.ikeke@corp.legit.ng