Lagos NYSC Local Government Inspector Absconds After Summoning Corps Member for Criticizing Tinubu
A Local Government Inspector (LGI) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Lagos has gone into hiding after summoning a corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, over her viral social media post criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The situation unfolded following the intervention of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and a team of lawyers, who accompanied Rita to the NYSC office only to find the official absent.
Background of the Incident
Rita, a serving corps member, was summoned by the NYSC LGI to appear at the Eti-Osa Local Government office at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2025. The summons came after Rita posted a video on TikTok under the handle @talktoraye, where she tearfully expressed frustration over the rising cost of goods in Nigeria. In the video, she described Tinubu as a “terrible” president and accused the government of neglecting the economic hardship faced by citizens.
“If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government,” Rita said in the video. “I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president.”
She also lamented the financial struggles she faces as a corps member, stating that the monthly NYSC allowance is insufficient to cover basic living expenses.
Sowore and Lawyers’ Intervention
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and a team of lawyers, including Festus Ogun, Adeyinka Oyesomi, and Ojienoh Justice, accompanied Rita to the NYSC office. However, upon arrival, the LGI official who issued the summons was absent.
Sowore provided an update on the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “We arrived at the Eti-Osa LGI offices of the National Youth Service Corps with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, in Lagos. She was scheduled to appear before the LGI today, and we escorted her to their offices with attorneys, but the LGI official had absconded, failing to show up throughout our stay. We will be back! #RevolutionNow #tinubuisaterriblepresident.”
Sowore also shared a video showing the journey to the NYSC office, emphasizing their commitment to supporting Rita.
NYSC’s Response and Threats
Rita revealed that she had been receiving multiple calls from NYSC officials, urging her to stop criticizing the government and delete the video. During one conversation, an NYSC official allegedly asked, “Are you normal?” and demanded that she take down the video.
Rita recounted, “She called me and was yelling at me to take down the video. She was telling me that I was insulting the president. I never insulted the president; I said he is terrible. That is not an insult; it is a statement.”
She expressed concern that corps members are required to provide their phone numbers and addresses on NYSC forms, making them vulnerable to intimidation. “These people know my address and where I live, and now they’ve begun threatening me,” she said.
Public Reactions
The development has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians, with many questioning whether corps members should be restricted from expressing their views on governance and national issues. Critics argue that the NYSC’s actions undermine freedom of speech and the right to hold leaders accountable.
Implications for Freedom of Expression
The incident highlights the challenges faced by young Nigerians in expressing dissent and holding the government accountable. Rita’s experience underscores the need for greater protection of citizens’ rights, particularly in a democratic society where freedom of expression is enshrined in the constitution.
Conclusion
The absence of the NYSC LGI official during Rita’s scheduled appearance, coupled with the alleged threats from NYSC officials, raises serious concerns about the treatment of corps members and the suppression of dissenting voices. As Sowore and the legal team vow to continue their support for Rita, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring that young Nigerians can voice their concerns without fear of intimidation or retribution.
