Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to desist from threatening individuals and groups who criticise the administration.

“The Nigerian authorities must refrain from responding with violence and threats against individuals and organisations expressing dissenting opinions—a blatant disregard for both the Nigerian Constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organisation stated via its official X handle.

The human rights watchdog also condemned the reported threats and intimidation faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, following her viral TikTok video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians due to ongoing reforms.

Amnesty International denounced alleged threats from NYSC officials, asserting that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustrations about the country’s worsening economic conditions.

“We strongly condemn the threats and intimidation directed at a young woman who posted a TikTok video lamenting the escalating economic hardship. She has alleged that NYSC officials (@officialnyscng) threatened her for refusing to delete the video,” the statement read.

“It is her fundamental right to express discontent peacefully. Rather than silencing her for speaking out against rampant inflation, the authorities should focus on addressing the economic crisis.

“Millions of Nigerians are grappling with extreme poverty. The government has yet to implement effective measures to mitigate the crisis, leaving many without hope of economic relief and the ability to enjoy their basic human rights.”

Uguamaye claimed that following the video’s circulation, she began receiving threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content. She expressed fears for her safety, alleging that her personal details had been leaked and that she was being coerced into reporting to the NYSC office.