Lagos Corps Member Ushie Rita Expresses Distress Due to Threats Following

Lagos Corps Member Ushie Rita Expresses Distress Due to Threats Following Her Criticism of Tinubu's Administration

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) based in Lagos, Ushie Rita, has raised concerns after reportedly receiving threatening messages following the circulation of her viral video, in which she criticized the Tinubu administration for the escalating inflation and economic difficulties in Nigeria. In the widely shared video, Rita voiced her frustration regarding the worsening economic situation, expressing that hard work appears to be in vain amid the country's financial challenges. She openly condemned President Bola Tinubu, labeling him a "terrible leader," and questioned the measures the government is implementing to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens. Furthermore, she referred to Lagos State as a "smelling state," expressing dissatisfaction with its odor and living conditions.

After her video gained significant attention, Rita claimed to have started receiving threatening messages, allegedly from NYSC officials, urging her to remove the content. Disheartened by the negative response, she conveyed her disappointment at the attempts to silence her, asserting that she merely spoke the truth about the realities in Nigeria.

In a post on her Instagram account @iamraye__, she shared some of the threatening messages she received, stating: "Deleting this content serves no purpose: they already know who I am. However, removing it would mean that if anything were to happen to me, no one would be aware, and if they decide to impose a severe punishment, it would go unnoticed because I would have concealed it by deleting what I initiated. They are asking people to identify me? I am not a criminal. According to the NYSC regulations, I have not committed any offense. I urge the NYSC official to stop soliciting people to point me out; her actions are intimidating. All I did was express my concerns and voice my complaints. I am receiving numerous messages like this from my fellow corps members. What is wrong with one person expressing dissatisfaction? Why are they pursuing me as if I am a criminal? I am not foolish. I ensured that I did not make any malicious accusations against the government! I simply posed questions."

As an NYSC Corps member, I have not relinquished my right to freedom of speech.

Please, I request to be left alone. I have been receiving persistent calls, and I have now turned off my phones. They are now sending me messages on WhatsApp, sharing my personal information to indicate that they are well-acquainted with me.

Dear NYSC, if you believe a Corps member has committed an infraction, it is unacceptable to treat them in such a manner that instills fear. I am genuinely frightened for my safety. Kindly cease all communication with me. You instructed me to report to the office on Monday. What more do you require? Why are you pursuing me? I merely exercised my right to freedom of speech, a fundamental right of every citizen. Unless you are implying that being an NYSC Corps member strips me of my citizenship rights.
Source@Nairaland