Nigerian activist and actor Mr Macaroni has called out the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) board over the intimidation of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos State, following her viral social media post criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In her video, she broke into tears while complaining about the consistently skyrocketing prices of goods and services, in comparison to the meagre salaries earned. She then called on Governor Sanwo Olu of Lagos State and President Tinubu to do better.
In a strongly worded post on X, Mr Macaroni insisted that corps members, like all Nigerians, have the right to express their opinions on national issues without fear of harassment.
His words:
“To the DG, Coordinators and every official of the NYSC!!! You cannot threaten, intimidate or victimize any corper for expressing their view on the performance of the president. They are citizens with rights! The president is in office to serve the people and every Nigerian, Corper or not has the right to hold their leaders accountable!!!
The oppressed are so in love with their oppressors. They are comfortable in their chains so far it’s not too tight. Even when it gets too tight, they will use their last dying breath to defend.”
Netizens React:
icecyclone said: “NYSC does not have to react. This girl probably made the video for clicks and likes not for political objectives. Why give much attention to little things like this. Now, the leader has become a symbol and rallying point for the opposition because of your action.”
DefiPrince88 wrote: “Who NYSC Cert help before?”
@seunlopez_ said: “We can’t even complain without being labeled disrespectful! How can I be respectful when I am literally fighting for my life everyday? What a shameful place to be!”
MagnificentKin6 said: “No corp member is smiling in this country.”
Donjaytrix001 wrote: “I want to see what they will do to the girl lol Let’s see how foolish they can be.”
elvisodese51 said: “The crazy thing is the blatant lies about their Alawi, they have deliberately refused to implement the purported 70k minimum wage, making young Nigerian Corps members going through untold hardships while serving their country. Shame !!!!”
By Ezinne Okorie.
