Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to halt threats against individuals and groups who criticize the current administration.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Sunday, the human rights organization condemned what it described as the government’s “utter disregard for the Nigerian Constitution and international law” in its treatment of dissenting voices.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the statement read.
The organization also denounced the alleged threats and intimidation faced by Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, following her viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the economic hardship Nigerians are facing.
Amnesty International accused NYSC officials of pressuring Uguamaye to delete the video, stating that she had every right to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic situation.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted a TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video,” the group stated.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritize 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,” it added.
Uguamaye claimed that after her video gained traction, she began receiving threats, allegedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to remove the content. She also expressed concerns for her safety, revealing that her personal details had been leaked and that she was being summoned to the NYSC office.
