A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Rita, has raised an alarm after allegedly receiving threatening messages following her viral video criticizing the Tinubu’s government over rising inflation and economic hardship.
In the widely circulated video, Rita expressed frustration over the deteriorating economic conditions in Nigeria, lamenting how hard work seems futile in the face of the country’s financial struggles. She described how the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for citizens, especially youths, to thrive despite putting in effort.
She openly criticized President Bola Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned what steps the government is taking to ease the suffering of citizens. Additionally, she described Lagos State as a “smelling state,” complaining about its odor and poor living conditions.
Shortly after her video gained traction, Rita claimed she began receiving threatening messages, allegedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the content. She alleged that the messages included warnings about possible disciplinary action, with some sources claiming she was being tracked and monitored.
Frustrated by the backlash, she expressed her disappointment at attempts to silence her, maintaining that she only spoke the truth about Nigeria’s reality. She insisted that her statements were not malicious but rather a reflection of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Lagos NYSC member claims threats after speaking on hardship, inflation
Sharing some of the threatening messages she received on her Instagram page @iamraye__, she stated:
“Deleting this content is of no use because they already know me. However, deleting it means whatever they do to me, nobody would know. If they decide to give me a hefty punishment, nobody would know because I used my own hands to cover it by deleting what I started.”
She continued, “She’s asking people to identify me? I’m not a criminal. Reading the NYSC rules, I didn’t commit any crime. Ask the NYSC lady to stop asking people to point me out. At this point, she’s acting scary.”
“All I did was lament, all I did was complain. I’m getting tons of messages like this from my fellow corpers. What is wrong with just one person complaining? Why are they looking for me like I’m a criminal? I’m not dumb.”
“I made sure to not accuse the government of anything maliciously! I questioned them. I asked questions. As an NYSC Corper, I didn’t sign off my freedom of speech.”
“Leave me alone, bruh. They keep calling me, and I’ve switched off my phones. Now they are texting me my personal details on WhatsApp to inform me they know me well.”
“Dear NYSC, if you say a corper has faulted, you wouldn’t treat them like this and scare them! You are scaring me for my dear life. Please leave me alone. You told me to report to the office on Monday. Okay! What else? Why are you looking for me? I just exercised my right to using ‘FREEDOM OF SPEECH.’ This is the right of every citizen. Except they tell me being an NYSC Corper removes me from being a Citizen.”
Her allegations have sparked discussions on social media, with many Nigerians debating the intent to silence free speech, especially for corps members under the NYSC scheme. Some social media users condemned the alleged threats, arguing that every citizen has the right to express their frustrations, while others questioned the authenticity of her claims.
As the debate continues, many have called for NYSC officials to clarify their stance on the matter and provide assurances that corps members will not be victimized for exercising their right to free speech.
Watch the video below …
“I don’t know if there has been any other president that is terrible but you are such a terrible president.”
-Nigerian lady blåsts Tinubu over the unbearable cost of living in the country.
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE)
Raye, the girl who made this video below, is now being threåtened by NYSC representatives for making the video criticizing Tinubu’s government.😳🤦
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE)