Pro-democracy Advocacy Group: HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has unequivocally defended the right of the young NYSC Corper who recently voiced strong criticisms regarding President Bola Tinubu’s administration. HURIWA affirmed that every citizen has the right to express their opinions and concerns about governmental performance without fear of intimidation or retribution just as the Rights group said the provisions of fundamental human rights including freedom of expression encapsulated in chapter 4 of the Nigerian constitution is higher and far more superior that the NYSC bylaw just as the Rights Organization said the extant NYSC bylaw does not negate the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of citizens including youth corpers.HURIWA recalled that the young corper Miss.Uguamaye had, in a now-viral video shared on her TikTok account, talktoraye, on Saturday, expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, lamenting the high inflation and economic hardship.Uguamaye had also criticised the President by describing him as a “terrible leader” while questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by the citizens.Additionally, she stressed that Lagos State is a “smelling state” and lamented its “poor living conditions.”HURIWA recalled that several thousands of users on various social media platforms shared the video while discussions were geared in the direction of her lamentations, which caused the video to go viral.After the video had gone viral, Uguamaye posted another video on her TikTok to alert the public that she was allegedly being threatened by the NYSC authorities. But HURIWA has kicked against any attempt to harass, intimidate or threaten the corper just as it stated that the loyalty of corpers is to the federal Republic of Nigeria and not to any specific hopder of the office of the President of Nigeria. In accordance with Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, it is stipulated that “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.” This fundamental right is the cornerstone of our democracy, allowing citizens to hold their leaders accountable and advocate for positive change.HURIWA is disturbed by reports that the NYSC Corper faced threats from officials after expressing valid concerns about the economic hardships affecting corpers and many Nigerians. Such actions not only contradict the democratic principles upon which our nation is built but also create an atmosphere of fear that prevents open dialogue and constructive criticism.The rising costs of living, inflation, and issues surrounding government accountability are pressing matters that deserve attention. It is essential for our leaders to engage with citizens, listening to their grievances and taking meaningful steps to address them. Silencing dissent will not resolve the challenges faced by average Nigerians; rather, it deepens the divide between the government and the people.We urge the NYSC leadership to reconsider any measures taken against this brave individual and to encourage a culture of free speech among all Corp members. It is crucial for our democracy that young voices, especially those of future leaders, are not stifled but rather nurtured and empowered to contribute to national discourse.In light of these events, we call on the Nigerian government to reaffirm its commitment to protect the rights of citizens, allowing them to speak freely about their experiences and challenges. The resilience of our democracy depends on the active participation of its citizens and their ability to address injustices openly.We stand in solidarity with this NYSC corper and all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power.
*Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator,Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)March 17TH, 2025.
