The controversy surrounding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Uguamaye has intensified as former presidential aide Reno Omokri calls for disciplinary action against her. Uguamaye recently sparked online debates after criticizing President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s economic struggles.
In a viral video, she expressed frustration about the rising cost of living and the federal government’s failure to implement the proposed N77,000 NYSC allowance. Labeling Tinubu a “terrible leader,” she questioned the government’s handling of economic policies.
Her remarks triggered strong reactions, with some Nigerians applauding her courage while others accused her of breaching NYSC regulations. Uguamaye later alleged that NYSC officials pressured her to delete the video, claiming she had violated the service’s code of conduct. Defending herself, she insisted she was simply exercising her right to free speech.
“I made sure not to accuse the government maliciously. I only asked questions. As an NYSC member, I did not sign away my freedom of speech,” she stated.
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However, Omokri, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), argued that the outrage over Uguamaye’s case was driven by ethnic bias. He pointed out that singer Davido had previously been sanctioned by NYSC for violating its rules under former President Muhammadu Buhari, yet there was no ethnic outcry at the time.
“This is not about politics or ethnicity. Under President Buhari, the NYSC disciplined Davido for flouting its rules. The people of the Southwest didn’t accuse NYSC of tribalism, and the PDP didn’t claim Buhari was targeting an opposition figure. There must be a rule of law, not rule by sentiments,” Omokri wrote.
As the debate rages on, Nigerians remain divided on whether Uguamaye should be punished for her comments or whether she was simply exercising her constitutional right to free speech.