The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged the Nigerian government to show restraint and understanding toward a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Raye, who recently made headlines for her viral TikTok video criticizing the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In the widely circulated video, Raye, currently serving in Lagos, voiced her frustration over the country’s economic situation, lamenting the hardships experienced by ordinary Nigerians due to recent government reforms. She expressed concerns about the rising cost of living, inflation, and the overall economic instability affecting citizens.
Her emotional remarks quickly attracted massive attention online, sparking heated debates among Nigerians on social media. Many sympathized with her frustration, while others viewed her comments as overly critical of the government. However, following the video’s virality, Raye later revealed that she had been contacted by officials from the NYSC, who allegedly pressured and threatened her to take down the video.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, TUC President Festus Osifo addressed the controversy and appealed to the federal government not to retaliate against the young corps member. Osifo emphasized that Raye’s comments were not an act of rebellion but rather an expression of genuine frustration over the economic challenges facing Nigerians.
Osifo stressed the importance of government resilience in handling public criticism, especially in a period when many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. He warned that silencing individuals who express their grievances would only deepen public dissatisfaction.
“The government must develop a thick skin and recognize that many Nigerians are genuinely frustrated, hungry, and desperate. Instead of clamping down on critics, they should seek to address the root causes of these frustrations,” Osifo said.
“Imagine a young corps member simply performing her NYSC duties—how much power does she have to bring down a government? Her video was not about rebellion but personal frustration, a reflection of the harsh realities faced by many.”
He further stated that rather than reacting aggressively, the government should demonstrate patience, tolerance, and understanding towards citizens who express their grievances publicly.
Meanwhile, global human rights organization Amnesty International has also weighed in on the issue, strongly condemning the reported threats made against Raye. The organization released a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, calling on Nigerian authorities to stop the intimidation of individuals exercising their right to free speech.
“The Nigerian government must stop resorting to threats and intimidation against individuals who express dissenting opinions. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right protected by the Nigerian constitution and international human rights laws,” Amnesty International stated.
The human rights body further urged the Nigerian authorities to respect the democratic principles that allow citizens to criticize the government without fear of persecution.
The debate surrounding Raye’s video continues to gain traction online, with many Nigerians calling for increased government transparency and economic policies that prioritize the welfare of citizens. The incident has also reignited discussions on the limits of free speech in Nigeria and the role of the NYSC in managing corps members’ political expressions.