She’s Just A Corps Member!’ – TUC Blasts FG Over Crackdown On Criticism

The union’s appeal follows reports that officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allegedly threatened the corps member for speaking against the government.

The Lagos-based corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, had taken to TikTok to express her frustration over the economic hardship Nigerians are facing due to the administration’s policies. Her video quickly went viral, drawing the attention of NYSC officials, whom she later accused of threatening her to take down the post.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, TUC President Festus Osifo urged the government to exercise restraint, emphasizing that the corps member’s criticism stemmed from frustration rather than any intent to undermine the government.

“They [the government] must understand that people are frustrated, hungry, and exhausted. If they choose to express their grievances, the government should not take it personally and retaliate against them,” he said.

Osifo questioned the rationale behind the backlash, stating, “She is just a corps member fulfilling her service obligations—how can she possibly bring down the government? She simply voiced her frustration.”

He urged the government to be more patient and tolerant, acknowledging the widespread struggles Nigerians are currently enduring.

However, Osifo also advised critics to express their grievances with a sense of decorum and within reasonable limits.