Sowore Supports NYSC Member Summoned for Criticizing Tinubu, Officials Absent at Meeting

March 17, 2025

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has thrown his weight behind Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was reportedly summoned after she posted a viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Uguamaye’s video, which sparked widespread debate, focused on Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and raised concerns about the current leadership’s policies. Following the video’s circulation, she alleged that she received threats and was later instructed to report to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s (LGI) office in Eti-Osa 3 at 10 a.m. on March 17, 2025.

In response to the situation, Sowore met with Uguamaye in Lagos and accompanied her to the NYSC office alongside a team of lawyers. However, upon arrival, they found that the LGI officials were absent.

Sowore took to X (formerly Twitter) to provide an update on the situation, stating:

“The LGI official had absconded, failing to show up throughout our stay.”

Concerns Over Free Speech and Political Dissent

The incident has intensified ongoing concerns about freedom of speech in Nigeria, particularly regarding young people’s right to criticize government policies without fear of repercussions.

Many are now questioning whether Uguamaye will face disciplinary action from the NYSC or other government authorities. The NYSC, which has a code of conduct for corps members, has not yet issued an official statement regarding her case.

Public Reactions and Legal Implications

Sowore’s involvement has amplified public discourse on free speech, with some Nigerians applauding his intervention while others argue that corps members should refrain from political commentary. Legal experts have also weighed in, stating that while NYSC members are expected to uphold discipline, they still retain constitutional rights to freedom of expression.

As of now, it remains unclear whether Uguamaye will face further questioning or punishment from the NYSC. The lack of official presence at the scheduled meeting has only fueled speculation about the next course of action.

Visual Evidence

To provide more insight into the situation, videos and pictures from the NYSC office visit will be included in this report. These visuals will capture Sowore’s arrival with Uguamaye, reactions from onlookers, and the empty office where the LGI officials were supposed to meet them.

Awaiting NYSC’s Response

With growing public interest in the case, many are eager to see how the NYSC and government authorities will respond to Uguamaye’s statements and the subsequent summoning. For now, the absence of the officials at the scheduled meeting raises more questions than answers.