Written by SpringNewsNG Media Limited, March 18, 2025.

Human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that Ushie Uguamaye, a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos, is facing immense pressure and threats from her senators and other politicians for criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), made this revelation during an interview on Arise News TV’s News Night on Monday. He claimed that no regime in recent history has victimized young people as much as Tinubu’s government.

Government Suppression of Dissent

According to Sowore, the Tinubu administration has engaged in a pattern of suppressing dissenting voices, particularly among the youth. He referenced the case of underage protesters who were charged with treason following the August 2024 protests, stating, “There is a difference between people speaking truth to power and the charade the Tinubu government is planning.”

He further accused the government of using the Cybercrime Act to harass young people and employing an army of influencers to silence opposition. “That is exactly what is happening to this young lady,” he added.

Criticism of the Youth Conference

Sowore also dismissed the youth conference organized by the Tinubu administration, labeling it a mere gathering of political loyalists rather than a platform for genuine youth engagement. “The youth conference they set up is not for young people; it is for the friends of the President and his son,” he remarked.

Defending Uguamaye’s Right to Speak

The activist rejected claims that Uguamaye violated any NYSC regulations by voicing her concerns about economic hardship. He emphasized that the NYSC Act does not prohibit corps members from expressing grievances.

“There is no section of the NYSC Act that says Nigerians cannot complain if they are facing hardship,” Sowore asserted. He also highlighted the discrepancy in corps members’ allowances, pointing out that despite Tinubu’s announcement of a N77,000 monthly stipend, corps members still earn only N33,000.

“To claim that the NYSC Act forbids corps members from complaining about their conditions is just an attempt to silence her,” he said.

NYSC Act and Free Speech

Sowore stressed that the NYSC Act, originally enacted in 1973 and later amended by military regimes, cannot override the fundamental right to free speech.

“The NYSC Act cannot supersede the right to free speech, which is recognized globally,” he stated. “She is simply expressing herself as guaranteed by international human rights laws. You can’t beat a baby and ask the baby not to cry.”

He also noted that corps members actively participate in national politics, including election duties, sometimes at the cost of their lives. “NYSC members conduct elections and have died in the line of duty. If they can serve the country in such capacities, why should they be silenced when they speak about hardships?” he queried.

Pressure and Threats Against Uguamaye

Sowore disclosed that Uguamaye has been receiving intense pressure from her senators, who have allegedly been calling and threatening her while also offering incentives for her silence.

“Her senators are calling her, threatening her, offering her all kinds of opportunities if she can just go away. But they are trying to close the barn door after the horse has bolted. It is too late now,” he declared.

Uguamaye’s Viral Video

Uguamaye recently went viral after voicing her frustration over Nigeria’s economic hardship, particularly the rising cost of food. In her video, she lamented the continuous price increases and directly criticized President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible” leader.

“I am coming from a supermarket where I went to get foodstuff, and everything has gone up again. It’s like every single week, prices keep increasing. I want to know, what is the government doing about this?” she questioned.

She urged Nigerians to speak up about their struggles, stating, “If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government.”

“I don’t know if there is any other president as terrible as you. But you are such a terrible president,” she added.

Resistance Against Suppression

Sowore concluded that attempts to suppress dissent will ultimately fail. He pointed out that more corps members are beginning to speak out about Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.

“This national service is not a personal service to the President or a governor. It is a service to the nation, and this young lady is doing the real national service we need at this time. She is speaking on behalf of millions of Nigerians who are frustrated and dejected by this regime,” he stated.

He dismissed the argument that corps members, like the military, are bound by an oath of allegiance to remain silent.

“We are not under military rule anymore. If there was a military oath of allegiance, it has no place under civilian rule. That is why we fought against the military,” he said.

Sowore reaffirmed that the voices of young Nigerians must not be silenced. “Anybody trying to muffle dissent will fail spectacularly,” he concluded.