Atiku, Amnesty Warn Against Victimising Corper Who Criticised Tinubu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Amnesty International have defended a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member. She faced backlash for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Raye, the corps member, expressed frustration over rising inflation and economic hardship in a viral video. Consequently, she alleged that NYSC officials threatened her, demanding she remove the video.
Support from Atiku and Amnesty
Atiku Abubakar praised Raye for her courage. He said she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion political participation. Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the alleged threats and intimidation directed at Raye.
Amnesty stressed that Raye has the right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of silencing critics, authorities should focus on addressing Nigeria’s economic woes. Furthermore, Amnesty noted that millions of Nigerians are facing extreme poverty due to the government’s failure to implement effective measures.
Economic Hardship and Civic Space
Nigeria is facing severe economic challenges. Inflation is on the rise, and millions face acute food insecurity. Additionally, the World Food Programme projects that economic hardship will push 33.1 million Nigerians into food insecurity by 2025.
Moreover, the incident highlights a broader concern about the shrinking civic space in Nigeria. Citizens and activists increasingly face harassment and detention for criticising government policies.
Call for Government Action
The NYSC has yet to respond to the allegations. However, its silence has been interpreted as tacit approval of the alleged threats. This has further fuelled public outrage. In response, Raye’s courage has inspired others to voice their concerns about the economic situation.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to mounting pressure from domestic and international bodies. Nevertheless, the call for respect of human rights and freedom of expression is clear. Amnesty International’s statement encapsulates this sentiment: “The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions.”
