Fury, Accolades Trail Lagos Corps Member’s Outburst Against Tinubu Over Economic Hardship

Kudos and knocks have been raining on a female corps member serving in Lagos State, Ushie Rita Uguamaye also known as Raye, over her public outburst and criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led adminstration, the Nigerian Voice reports.

The female NYSC, had in a now viral TikTok video, called out President Tinubu over the unabated hardship in country, lamenting about astronomical hike in prices of goods and services in Nigeria.

While sobbing intermittently and complaining bitterly about the economic situation, she described President Tinubu as a “terrible” leader.

“If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government,” she said in the video.

“I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president.”

Lamenting about her financial struggles as a corps member, Rita Uguamaye stated that the monthly NYSC allowance is insufficient to cover basic living expenses. She, further, expressed displeasure over the air pollution in Lagos state.

In her words, “So, I am coming from a supermarket where I went to get foodstuff, and everything has gone up again. It’s just like every single week, prices keep increasing. I want to know, what is the government doing about this increase? Is there going to be a particular time when prices will stop going up?

“Why am I going to get a crate of eggs and I’m told it costs N6,500? It doesn’t make any sense that eggs would cost that much. I literally remember when eggs cost N800. I am so overwhelmed because this is the first time I’ve stayed out of my family house.

“After I left the supermarket, I got home, and the security and NEPA bills have skyrocketed, doubling in price. It is insane. I can’t keep up with these bills. Every single penny I make, I am using it to pay bills. The crazy thing is, you want to go out with your friend, and Uber is N25,000. Why are things so expensive?

“To make it worse, Lagos stinks. Everywhere smells. What is the government doing about the smell? Being an NYSC corper, there is nothing so beneficial about this scheme.”

Hours later, the corps member made another video where she revealed that she has been receiving multiple phone calls from NYSC officials, warning her to stop public criticism of the government.

The Nigerian Voice understands that the bone of contention among other Nigerians is whether corps members are generally restricted from expressing their views on governance and other national issues.

A quick check by our reporter at the NYSC Bye Laws revealed that there is no aspect of the law that explicitly prohibits corps members from expressing their concerns on national issues or developments. A seemingly closest law in that regard is that NYSC members must not engage in partisan politics.

Section 13 of the NYSC bye law says: “Any member who takes part in partisan politics is liable to extension of service for a period not less than three (3) months without pay.” Another section says members must “Not address the press on any policy issue without the prior written consent of the State Coordinator.”

While authorities at the NYSC adminstration are yet to react to Uguamaye’s outburst, many Nigerians including public figures have condemned the alleged threat issued to her.

Opposition Leaders Throw Weight Behind Corps Member

The Nigerian Voice reports that the leading opposition figures in Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have separately expressed their support for the corp member, urging the government to embrace criticisms from citizens as part of rudiments of democracy.

A statement personally issued by former vice president Atiku, likened Raye to the likes of Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and others who resolved to speak truth to power without fear.

The former presidential candidate wrote, “Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

“She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and countless other women who have stood resolute in defense of the common good.

“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future. -AA”

Similarly, Peter Obi called on the government to reflect on its approach to dissent voices in the country, adding a government that silences its citizens is not democratic.

The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party wrote: “The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.

“Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration.”

He added, “Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt.

“I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.

“To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation's future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation.

“A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.”

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Amnesty International Berates Threat
A renowned global human rights group, Amnesty International, also condemned alleged threats and intimidation directed at the female corps member.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Amnesty International said, “It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes.

“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.”

NYSC Not Like Civil Service— Lawyer
A human rights legal practitioner, Inibehe Effiong, weighed in on the development, highlighting that the rules of civil service are not applicable to youths service.

He also held that criticizing the President or the government is not an offence under the NYSC Act (See Section 13).

His statement posted on his X handle on Sunday reads, “First, corps members are not civil servants or public servants. Section 2 of the NYSC Act states that every eligible Nigerian shall be called-up to serve for a continuous period of one year national service. It is National Service, not federal or civil service.

“The NYSC is an agency of the Federal Government, but corps members are not employees of the federal government or staff of the NYSC. Corps members are not employed or recruited into the NYSC.

“Second, the Certificate that is issued to corps members on completion of their National Service as prescribed in Section 11 of the NYSC Act is called Certificate of National Service, not certificate of employment. Corps members are not issued employment letters by the Federal or State Governments.

“Third, every employee under the law (including the Labour Act, Employees Compensation Act, etc.) is entitled to be paid salary. That is the legal consideration for the services rendered.

“Corps members are not paid salaries by the government (Federal and State). They are only paid paltry sums as allowances. Some States do not even pay allowances to corps members.

“Fourth, the term employer as used in the NYSC Act is used loosely in relation to the Place of Primary Assignment where the corps member is posted to. Employers under the NYSC Bye Laws are only required to issue Letters of Acceptance to corps members posted to them, not letters of employment.

“Fifth, there is nothing in the objectives of the Corps or scheme as enumerated in Section 1 of the NYSC Act that remotely supports the view that corps members are employees in the legal sense.

“The NYSC was established by the military as a fallout of the civil war to promote national unity and interrelationship among Nigerians of different ethnic backgrounds.

“Sixth, there is no provision in the NYSC Act that subjects corps members to civil service Rules.

“Criticizing the President or the government is not an offence under the NYSC Act (See Section 13). It is also not an offence under the NYSC Bye Laws (See Section 4 of the Revised Bye Laws, 2011).

“Seventh, I have watched all the videos of this lady that are being debated. There is nothing slightly partisan in her comments.

“She merely expressed her justified frustrations with the state of affairs in the country, particularly the impact of the scourging inflation on her and other Nigerians. That is within her constitutional right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

The NYSC Bylaws Cannot Override Nigerian Constitution— The People’s Parliament

A non-partisan popular Facebook page, The People’s Parliament, known for sharing legal perspectives on any issues in the country, noted that the lady's remarks were only damaging to the reputation of the President Tinubu as an individual.

“Without emotions, calling Tinubu a terrible President is as good as damaging his reputation as an individual and the office he represent, considering the complains she made before the statement,” he said.

“But section 308 of the 1999 constitution gives immunity to the President, meaning that no one can sue the President while in office and the President too can't sue anyone [Tinubu V. I.M.B Securities (2001) 16 NWLR (Pt.740) 670, and G.E.C V. Donald Duke (2007) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1059) 22.] So, the President can't institute any Legal action against this lady for now until he steps down. So on this part, she is safe for now.

On alleged breach of NYSC laws, The People’s Parliament handler noted that, “The NYSC bye laws cannot preclude her from exercising her fundamental human ri'ght to freedom of expression, enshrined in Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The restrictions on the right to freedom of expression contained in Section 39 (3) (a) and (b) of the C0nstitution are inapplicable to her. In view of Section 1 (1) and (3) of the Constitution, the NYSC bylaws is therefore null and void for being inconsistent with Section 39 (1) of the Constitution.”

The handler continued, “In her video, she never showed or displayed loyalty to any political party, hence her statement against the government can't be considered as partisan politics which is against the NYSc bye laws.

“For those people saying she can't speak against Govt because it's governments that is paying her. Please take note, NYSC is not a job and corp members are not paid salaries, instead they are paid allowance. They don't have any employment letter from government and for that reason. The rules of civil service does not apply to them. We all have the right to hold and express our opinion about the Government we elected.”

Netizens React
One Ojei Success Soni on X remarked, “APC will now say that she’s being sponsored by the opposition. For them, anyone that speaks and expresses his or her feelings about the terrible insensitivity of the govt as regards the astronomical cost of living that has gone beyond the reach of over 90% of Nigerians is being sponsored by the opposition, especially Peter Obi”

Another X user, Akinpelu Opeyemi Saheed took his stance that, “The first English I learned in camp was regimented, as a serving Corper, ur activities including your speech are (regimented) under control of the NYSC, your speech is against the code of conduct of the NYSC, don’t let anyone push you into trouble, everybody is aware that Nigeria is facing economic hardship and Lagos life is not for the weak anytime. Serve in peace my dear, may God bless you”

NYSC Is a Paramilitary Force— Reno Omokri

On his part, a former presidential spokesperson, Reno Omokri, who described NYSC as a paramilitary outfit, asserted that no serving corps member is illegally allowed to publicly lambaste the government.

He said in parts, “In any country on Earth, you can criticise your government and its leaders if you are a member of the military forces and paramilitary services. However, you are expected to resign your commission or leave the force to do so.

“In the United Kingdom, it is even more extreme. Please fact-check me. According to the last guidelines in the HSR 2: General Principles of Conduct of the British Civil Service, "You must give your undivided allegiance to the State."

“Many Nigerians are just very sentimental. They do not think. They just jump on trends. The National Youth Service Corp is actually a paramilitary reserve force. That is why it is a corp. It is just like the Federal Road Safety Corp, only that the FRSC is a career, and the NYSC is just for a year. ”

“Read the NYSC enabling law. The Federal Government of Nigeria can deploy NYSC Corp members to fight during a state of war. Read. It is in the NYSC Act!

If every corp member was allowed to criticise the government, there would be no discipline in the corp,” Omokri added.

Corps Member Deserves Capital Punishment— Presidency

Taking to Facebook on Monday, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity strongly condemned the outburst, arguing that the corps member had violated the NYSC code of conduct and should face the ultimate punishment.

“If she is not a corper, she can say whatever she fancies like people do per second. Citizens can abuse the living day out of their President or any public official. It is normal,” Ajayi stated in the now deleted Facebook post.

“But a corper violated her oath and code of conduct here. That is capital punishment under NYSC.”

“You can’t abuse the country you are serving as a corper under any guise and the symbol of sovereign authority, which is the president. She should be punished to the fullest extent, not just warned.”

NYSC Mums
Efforts made by our correspondent to speak to NYSC management through official channel were futile as phone calls went unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report. The Service has also been conspicuously silent on the matter.