Obidient Movement Calls for Justice as Corps Member Faces Retaliation Over Economic Criticism

 

The Obidient Movement has raised concerns over the treatment of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified as Raye, who recently shared a video on social media criticizing Nigeria’s economic condition. In her candid remarks, Raye expressed deep frustration over the worsening state of the nation's economy, particularly under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. According to Raye, rising inflation and burdensome taxes have made life increasingly difficult, echoing the struggles of millions of Nigerians.

Raye’s video, which garnered widespread attention, highlighted the toll these economic pressures have taken on ordinary citizens, particularly young people like herself. She voiced her concerns about the government’s failure to fulfill promises made to Corps members, notably the pledge to increase their monthly allowances. Despite an announcement over a year ago that the allowance would rise from N33,000 to N70,000, that promise remains unfulfilled, leaving Corps members like Raye to survive on an insufficient stipend, far from home and with limited support.

However, what followed her video has raised alarm about freedom of speech in the country. In a subsequent video, Raye expressed fears of retaliation from the NYSC authorities, who she claimed were pressuring her to delete the initial video. A recording in the second video captured an NYSC official warning her of unspecified consequences if she did not comply. This development has prompted serious concerns about the government’s stance on free speech and its attempts to silence individuals expressing legitimate frustrations.

In a statement, the Obidient Movement stressed that Raye’s comments were not politically motivated but were instead a reflection of the harsh economic realities faced by the average Nigerian. The movement reminded the public that Section 39(1) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, an inalienable right that should be protected, especially when citizens are speaking out about the struggles they face.

The movement further pointed out that Raye did not engage in partisan politics nor did she make any false claims. Instead, she brought attention to the unfulfilled promises made by the government, such as the allowance increase, and the broader issue of inflation and excessive taxation, which have eroded the purchasing power of many Nigerians. For this reason, the Obidient Movement condemned any attempts by the NYSC or government to silence Raye, describing such efforts as an unjust act against a young person who is simply expressing the pain of millions of Nigerians.

The movement also referenced a key point raised by Fela Kuti, the iconic Nigerian musician, who famously stated that the government could not turn someone into "a dead body wey get accident." In other words, silencing Raye would not alleviate the suffering caused by the country's economic challenges. Rather, it would add insult to injury by punishing her for speaking out.

The government’s lackluster response to Raye’s video and the subsequent threats of retaliation have only fueled skepticism about its ability to address the issues she raised. As the Obidient Movement aptly pointed out, the government’s reaction to the video suggests that it has failed to engage with the real issues facing the people, opting instead to attack the messenger. The movement warned that such behavior was a sign of a government unable or unwilling to confront the urgent need for economic reform.

Furthermore, the movement reminded the government that Raye’s voice is not an isolated one. With millions of Nigerians grappling with the effects of poverty, inflation, and economic mismanagement, the Obidient Movement cautioned the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), that more voices are likely to emerge in the coming years. The movement emphasized that the electorate is watching closely, and the government’s actions today may have consequences at the ballot box in 2027.

In conclusion, the Obidient Movement called on the government to respect Raye’s right to free speech and urged the NYSC to refrain from any retaliatory actions. The movement also reiterated that silencing voices of dissent would not solve the underlying problems facing the country, and it is the government’s responsibility to address the economic challenges that have left millions of Nigerians struggling to survive.

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Contact Information: Nana Kazaure
Director, Communications Directorate, Obidient Movement
+234 803 314 4131
+234 708 229 9421
obidient.unification@gmail.com
Plot 921 Stellamaris Road, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja.