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NYSC vs. Free Speech: The Corps Member Who Defied the System

Published

4 days ago

Mar 23, 2025.

Ushie Rita Uguamaye, known on TikTok as @talktoraye, made headlines this past week after her emotional video made rounds on social media.

The struggling corps member trying to make ends meet decided that going online to air her frustration and criticize the government was her fastest way to find peace. But little did she know that her singular video would be the talk of the town for weeks.

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It came to light after one of the NYSC staff, a woman to be specific, contacted her and told her to take “that rubbish down.” It started some serious controversy, and the NYSC invited her for a ‘chat’ after she refused to tune to their demands.

We got different versions of her story across so many media platforms. Many stood behind her, supporting her action and claiming she didn’t violate any law of the Youth Service Corps or the country. Sowore, a past presidential candidate and activist, showed up to escort Rita himself to the presence of the NYSC officials, who didn’t show up eventually.

The video that started this entire debate showed Rita in tears, lamenting how difficult life had become under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. She spoke about how food prices had skyrocketed, how utility bills had doubled, and how everyday Nigerians were struggling to survive.

In the heat of her frustration, she called out the president directly, questioning his leadership and saying, “I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president.”

Her video resonated with many Nigerians, especially young people who are also struggling to navigate the harsh economy. But NYSC officials were not pleased. They quickly summoned her, citing that she had violated internal regulations. A message from the NYSC Local Government Inspector (LGI) instructed her to report to the Eti-Osa 3 local government office.

The decision caused reactions with many questioning whether the NYSC was exceeding its authority and suppressing free speech.

The Nigerian Constitution under Section 39 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.”

On paper, this should mean Rita had every right to speak her mind. However, the NYSC Bye-Laws impose strict regulations on corps members, prohibiting them from addressing the press on any policy issue without prior written consent from the State Coordinator. Failure to comply could result in an extension of service for thirty days on half pay.

Legal experts shared their views on the issue. Barrister Steve Omotayo explained, “Our Constitution does guarantee freedom of speech, but it has its limits. When you join the NYSC, you agree to follow its rules—even if it means giving up some of your freedom to express yourself.”

But for many Nigerians, the bigger question is whether these rules are fair. Rita’s video was not an official statement on behalf of NYSC.

It was a personal expression of frustration, something millions of Nigerians do every day online. Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam argued that NYSC’s action was more about silencing criticism than enforcing discipline. “There exists no specific provision in the NYSC Bye-Laws that prohibits criticism of the government.

The restrictions are aimed at preventing unapproved public commentary on policy issues. The real question is whether these rules can withstand scrutiny when measured against the supremacy of our Constitution,” he said.

The emotional weight of this controversy is even heavier when Rita’s personal struggles are considered. She lost her father, a man who fought for his land and dignity. Now, she finds herself in a position where speaking her truth has put her in trouble. “When a young person, who has already endured personal loss, finds herself under threat of disciplinary action for merely expressing her reality, we must ask: Is this truly justice, or are we witnessing the suppression of dissent?” Idam asked.

Public reaction remains divided. Some Nigerians believe that NYSC has the right to enforce its rules and maintain discipline. “When you join a national service, you must play by the rules,” one commentator said. But others see the agency’s actions as an attempt to intimidate and silence young voices. “Silencing a young person’s cry for help in a time of crisis does nothing but deepen the disconnect between the government and its people,” another social media user wrote.

Dr. John Ajayi, a political science lecturer, summed up the dilemma:

“This is not merely about one individual’s rights—it is about how we, as a society, balance constitutional freedoms with the need for organizational order. The challenge is finding that middle ground where voices are heard without compromising institutional integrity.”

Rita’s case is not an isolated one. Across Nigeria, people continue to face backlash for speaking their minds on issues that affect their daily lives.

This is nothing but a reflection of the larger struggle between free speech and authority control. We have heard of several cases of journalists being arrested and even imprisoned in Nigeria, when we are supposed to have Free Press.

NYSC Summons Corps Member Over Viral Video Criticizing Tinubu

At the end of the day, one begin to ask are we really enjoying the full benefits of democracy? or we are trading our freedoms for a narrative that’s controlled?