Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside Amnesty International Nigeria and human rights lawyers Inibehe Effiong and Festus Ogun, has spoken out against alleged threats directed at Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based NYSC member.
The controversy began after Uguamaye, known on TikTok as #talktoraye, shared a viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In her video, she expressed frustration over worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, calling Tinubu a “terrible leader” and questioning the government’s commitment to alleviating citizens’ suffering.
Following the video’s circulation, reports surfaced that a government agency was allegedly threatening Uguamaye, sparking backlash from activists and political figures.
Atiku Abubakar condemned any attempt to intimidate or silence young Nigerians, emphasizing that freedom of speech is a fundamental right in a democracy.
Similarly, Amnesty International Nigeria called on the authorities to respect freedom of expression and ensure Uguamaye’s safety, stressing that criticizing the government should not lead to harassment or threats.
Human rights lawyers Inibehe Effiong and Festus Ogun also warned against using state power to suppress dissent, urging the government to focus on addressing economic issues rather than targeting critics.
The incident has reignited discussions about freedom of speech in Nigeria, with many demanding that the government tolerate criticism rather than resort to intimidation.
