The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has asked the federal government to restrained itself from moving against Miss Ushie Uguamaye.
Ushie, a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, recently expressed her frustrations with President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a viral TikTok video.
On Sunday, Ushie claimed NYSC officials threatened her over the video, urging her to delete it. The video has gained widespread attention online.
TUC President Festus Osifo spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, saying the government should not go after her for expressing her feelings as it should be in a democratic society..
“They have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired,” Osifo said. “If they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalize it and come after such individuals.”
He added that the young woman was only airing her grievances and posed no real threat to the government. “Imagine a young lady carrying out her NYSC function, what does she really have to do to bring down government?” he asked.
NYSC Yet to Respond to Allegations
Since the video went viral, the NYSC has not made any official statement regarding the issue. However, Ushie insists she received threats from NYSC officials after posting the video.
According to her, she was contacted and warned to remove the post. Despite the alleged pressure, she remains firm in her stance that the government should address the struggles of everyday Nigerians.
Osifo urged government officials to be more tolerant and patient. “People are passing through a lot as it stands today,” he stated. He believes the administration should focus on solving economic problems rather than punishing critics.
“The government has to persevere much more, they have to be more tolerant,” he said. He advised authorities to handle public grievances with understanding rather than hostility.
Descent Into Politics
The video has generated a lot of discussions about free speech and citizens’ rights to criticize the government.
The video quickly descended into the political arena, with opposition figures quickly latching onto it to lambast the federal government.
Former Vice President and chieftain of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, said Ushie “embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.”
He said he “admires her boldness and wisdom” and for being “fearless” in her “resolve to speak truth to power”.
He asked the government rather than vilify the young lady, but to encourage her and support her and other youths going through the difficult times occasioned by poor economic choices of the current administration.
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
