“It is unjust for any government, its agents to harass or purnish or be seen to stiffled dissenting voices in the country under any disguise. Why would government be working against the nation’s constitution it swore to uphold?
Freedom of Speech is fully embedded in 1999 constitution section 3:.
This Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution: states: “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference”.
It is a fundamental right, protecting the ability of individuals to express themselves freely.
The right to freedom of expression is also protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments.
Rita Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member with code number LA/24B/832 serving in Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos who came under fire for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s government over the state of the economy
Why would this government want to destroy and kill our tomorrow, by forcing everyone to become deaf and dumb and close our eyes to ills on our society.
Is Professor Wole Soyinka not right when he urged the youth to “Set forth at Dawn” and not be part of a wasted generation – of see no evil, hear no evil and talk no evil. “So everyone must become fools and robot to massage an ego in a country of 200 million people?
It is good development that Rita took the bold step to be counted when it matters and speak to the power damning the consequences of her action.
“Every Youth must stand to protect and shield the lady from further infringement on her fundamental right. She should be encouraged for her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred.
Her coming to join the frail of the dwindled right activists has added to rise and agitation that new voices should come up as the rank and voices of the older activists seems not to be effective as before.
A new generation of women activist is born to take over the platform from Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Gambon Sawaba, Magret Ekpo, Joe Odumakin and few others to champion the cause of the oppressed.
The voice of the young lady must not be stiffled or restricted by government and its agents.
Therefore, officials of the National Youth Service Commission must stop forthwith the invitation asking Rita to report at the Eti-Osa local governments Secretariat of the NYSc this morning at 10 am without fail.
The action is viewed to force her pull down the video on social media and issue her with various forms of punitive sanctions.
Ushie embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.
It is within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on the inflation, and cost of living in the country, the authorities should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes.
“Thousands of people in Nigeria are dying daily of extreme poverty. And thus, 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 dignified life.
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“ It is advised that government authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions. This is in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,”
Lanre Ogundipe
Former President of Nigeria and African Union of Journalists
March 17, 2025
