NYSC Member Alleges Threats After Criticizing Government, Lamenting Economic Hardship

 

A Nigerian youth corps member, identified as Rita, has raised alarm over alleged threats she received after expressing her frustrations about the country's worsening economic conditions. In a widely circulated video, she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, lamenting that hard work no longer seems to pay off in the face of rising inflation and financial struggles. Additionally, she spoke about the living conditions in Lagos, describing the state as unpleasant and questioning what the government is doing to ease citizens’ suffering.

Following the viral spread of her video, Rita claimed she began receiving intimidating messages, allegedly from officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), pressuring her to take down the content. She took to social media to share her experience, maintaining that she merely voiced the reality many Nigerians are facing.

"Why Am I Being Treated Like a Criminal?"

Posting on her Instagram page, @iamraye__, Rita revealed that she had been bombarded with threatening messages from both NYSC officials and fellow corps members. She expressed concern over attempts to track her down, questioning why her complaints had led to such a reaction.

"Deleting this content serves no purpose," she wrote. "They already know who I am. But if I delete it, that means whatever they do to me will go unnoticed. If they decide to impose harsh punishment, no one will know because I would have erased the evidence myself."

She further disclosed that an NYSC official was allegedly asking people to identify her, despite her not committing any crime. According to her, she had carefully ensured that her statements did not maliciously accuse the government but simply questioned their actions in addressing economic challenges.

"I read the NYSC rules, and I did not violate any law. So why is this NYSC official asking people to point me out? It’s getting scary. All I did was complain. Why am I being hunted down like a criminal?" she questioned.

Fear for Safety Amid Growing Pressure

As the backlash intensified, Rita reported that she started receiving direct messages containing personal details about her, indicating that some individuals were tracking her movements. Out of fear, she switched off her phone but claimed that the intimidation persisted through WhatsApp messages.

"NYSC officials keep calling me. Since I switched off my phone, they’ve resorted to texting me my personal details just to let me know they are watching me. This is terrifying," she said.

Despite the threats, she stood firm in her stance, emphasizing that she had only exercised her right to free speech. She also accused the NYSC of using intimidation tactics instead of engaging with her concerns constructively.

"Dear NYSC, if you claim a corps member has erred, there are appropriate ways to handle the situation, not through fear and harassment. You are making me fear for my life. Please leave me alone," she pleaded.

Summoned to NYSC Office

Rita further disclosed that she had been instructed to report to the NYSC office on Monday. However, she questioned why officials were still actively searching for her when she had already agreed to comply.

"You told me to report to the office on Monday. Fine. But why are you still looking for me? Why am I being treated like a criminal for simply speaking my mind?" she asked.

She ended her post by asserting her right to freedom of speech, stressing that her status as a corps member does not strip her of her fundamental human rights.

"As an NYSC corps member, I did not sign away my right to free speech. I exercised my right as a Nigerian citizen. Unless there’s a rule that says serving in the NYSC means I am no longer a citizen, then I demand to be left alone."

Growing Concerns Over Free Speech in Nigeria

Rita’s ordeal has sparked conversations about free speech in Nigeria, particularly for youths participating in the compulsory NYSC program. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express support for her, while others have questioned whether the NYSC is overstepping its boundaries by allegedly intimidating a corps member for voicing her opinions.

While the NYSC is yet to officially respond to the allegations, Rita’s case highlights the growing tension between government institutions and young Nigerians who openly express their frustrations over economic and social issues. As she prepares to report to the NYSC office, many will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.