A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, has alleged that she is facing threats after her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s government over inflation and economic hardship.
In a TikTok video shared on Saturday via her handle #talktoraye, Uguamaye expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, stating that hard work feels futile amid financial struggles.
She openly criticized Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader” and questioning the government’s efforts to ease citizens’ suffering. Additionally, she described Lagos State as a “smelling state”, citing poor living conditions.
Shortly after the video gained traction, Uguamaye claimed she began receiving threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.
Frustrated by the backlash, she took to Instagram (#iamraye__) to express disappointment over alleged attempts to silence her.
She wrote:
“Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue. Less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government starting with the NYSC board!”
Uguamaye further alleged that NYSC officials have her personal details and that she fears for her safety.
“If you guys don’t see me online, please you know who to hold accountable. I didn’t do anything wrong, I just asked that they work on inflation.”
She questioned why corps members should be denied free speech, stating:
“Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed up my right to complain. Why can’t the government listen to the critics of its citizens?”
Uguamaye insisted that deleting the video would not change the situation, as the authorities already knew her identity.