Nigerian activist and actor, Mr Macaroni, has publicly criticized the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over what he described as the intimidation and harassment of a corps member who voiced her frustrations about the country’s economic struggles.
The corps member, identified as Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, gained widespread attention after posting a video on TikTok in which she broke down in tears while lamenting the rising cost of living in Nigeria. She directly addressed Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging them to take urgent action to alleviate the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
However, her outcry was met with backlash, not just from certain social media users but also from officials within the NYSC, who allegedly attempted to silence her. Raye later revealed that she had received a phone call from an NYSC board member, warning her to take down her video.
According to her, other corps members also informed her that NYSC officials were actively looking for her, sparking outrage among Nigerians who saw this as an attempt to suppress free speech.
Reacting to the situation, Mr Macaroni took to X (formerly Twitter) to strongly condemn the NYSC’s actions, insisting that corps members, like all Nigerians, have the fundamental right to express their opinions on national issues without fear of intimidation.
In his impassioned post, he called out the Director-General of the NYSC, as well as state coordinators and other officials, reminding them that the purpose of leadership is to serve the people. He emphasized that no government official has the authority to silence citizens who choose to hold their leaders accountable.
“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!!!” his post read.
His words resonated with many who have long criticized the government for its perceived hostility towards dissenting voices.
In a follow-up post, Mr Macaroni further expressed his frustration with what he described as a culture of oppression deeply ingrained in Nigerian society. He lamented that many Nigerians have become accustomed to enduring hardship and have, in some cases, even developed an emotional attachment to their oppressors.
“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,” he wrote. His statement was a stinging critique of the way in which many citizens, either out of fear or resignation, defend a system that continues to make their lives difficult.
The post sparked intense debate on social media, with some agreeing with his sentiments while others argued that his stance was too harsh.
Raye’s video had initially drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some criticizing her for allegedly disrespecting the government, while others praised her courage in speaking out about the struggles faced by many citizens. Her emotional outpouring struck a chord with those who have also felt the weight of Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The skyrocketing prices of essential goods and services, coupled with stagnant wages and a struggling economy, have left many struggling to make ends meet. In her video, Raye expressed deep frustration over how young Nigerians, including NYSC corps members, are expected to survive on meager stipends while the cost of living continues to rise.
Her plea for government intervention was not just a personal cry for help but a reflection of the reality faced by millions of Nigerians.
However, the situation escalated when Raye revealed that she had been threatened by an NYSC board member, who allegedly instructed her to delete the video. According to her, this official warned that failure to comply could result in severe consequences.
The revelation ignited widespread criticism of the NYSC, with many Nigerians condemning the agency for attempting to stifle free speech. Some accused the NYSC of prioritizing loyalty to the government over the welfare of the young Nigerians under its care.
As the backlash grew, social media was flooded with discussions about the rights of corps members and the broader issue of governmental accountability. Many pointed out that the NYSC, an institution originally established to foster national unity and development, should not be used as a tool to suppress the voices of young citizens.
The controversy surrounding Raye’s case is yet another reminder of the tensions between free speech and government authority in Nigeria. It highlights the growing frustration among the country’s youth, who increasingly find themselves at odds with a system that seems unwilling to acknowledge their struggles.
