Amnesty International Nigeria has publicly called on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to reverse its decision to deny Rita Ushie, also known as Raye, her discharge certificate.
The human rights organization states that the decision is an “arbitrary and outrageous” punishment for her critical social media comments.
In a statement released on social media, Amnesty International argues that the NYSC’s action, which it believes is an attempt to extend her service through “bureaucratic tricks,” is an “unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices.”
Amnesty believes the decision to withhold Ushie’s certificate is directly linked to her social media posts criticizing the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s government. The organization emphasizes that it is Ushie’s right to express her discontent peacefully. Instead of punishing her, the authorities should focus on addressing the country’s economic challenges.
The statement highlights that holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime under the Nigerian constitution or international law. It also notes that Rita Ushie had previously faced threats and violence in March for her viral TikTok video on economic hardship.
Amnesty International concludes by urging Nigerian authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression and to stop using intimidation and abuse of power against critics.
