Peter Obi condemns harassment of Corper over Tinubu comments

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has urged the government to refrain from intimidating or harassing Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a National Youth Corps member, over her remarks about President Bola Tinubu

He also warned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against subjecting her to any form of intimidation.

In a statement on Sunday evening, Obi criticized what he described as a worrying trend of the current administration silencing critics. He noted that the government has increasingly responded to dissent with threats rather than engagement.

The controversy began when Uguamaye, in a viral video, lamented the economic hardships Nigerians are facing and called Tinubu a “terrible president.” The video sparked mixed reactions, leading to her being summoned by the NYSC. However, she has also received support from public figures like Mr. Macaroni, Omoyele Sowore, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Reacting to the development, Obi compared Uguamaye’s situation to his own experiences, stating that he has also faced intimidation, harassment, and name-calling for expressing solution-based views on government policies.

He further emphasized that actions aimed at silencing critics are unacceptable and undemocratic, urging the government to tolerate constructive criticism rather than suppressing it.

Obi encouraged Nigerians to stand firm in exercising their constitutional right to free speech, stressing that the country’s progress depends on the courage of citizens to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation.

He called on the government to focus on addressing the economic and social concerns raised by Nigerians instead of trying to suppress them.

Peter Obi said:

“The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.

Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration.

This pattern is not isolated. I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments.

I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies.

Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt.

I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.

To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation.

Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.

A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO”

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