NYSC Threatens Corps Member Over Viral Video Calling Tinubu Terrible President

A serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified as Raye, has found herself under fire from NYSC officials after posting a viral video on TikTok calling President Bola Tinubu a terrible president.

The controversy, which erupted on March 15, 2025, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the suppression of free speech among Nigerian youth.

In her widely shared video, Raye expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, particularly the rising cost of living and inflation, which have left corps members struggling to survive on their meagre N33,000 monthly allowance.

She openly called Tinubu a “terrible leader” and questioned the government’s failure to address poverty, poor infrastructure, and the unbearable stench in Lagos, where she is serving.

I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president, she said.

So, I am coming from a supermarket where I went to get foodstuff, and everything has gone up again. It’s just like every single week, prices keep increasing. I want to know, what is the government doing about this increase? Is there going to be a particular time when prices will stop going up?

Her critique resonated with many Nigerians facing similar hardships but has drawn backlash and threats from authorities.

Barely a day after the video went viral, Raye shared another clip showing her receiving calls and threats from an NYSC official.

Screenshots shared on X reveal threatening messages sent to Raye, including one from an NYSC official demanding she report to the Eti-Osa Local Government office by 10 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Another message from an NYSC representative ordered her to delete the video and remove related posts from Instagram, citing violations of NYSC bye-laws.

The posts also show peers and others warning Raye of potential consequences, with one individual from the Lagos State Government cautioning her to be careful after her criticism of Tinubu’s policies.

However, Raye defended her stance, sharing excerpts from the NYSC bye-laws, arguing that her statements did not constitute partisan politics or violate any rules.

I made sure to not accuse the government of anything maliciously! I questioned them. I asked questions. As an NYSC corper, I didn’t sign off my freedom of speech, she wrote on Instagram.

The situation has sparked a barrage of reactions on X, with many users defending Raye’s right to speak out.

This incident exposed the hypocrisy of the NYSC. This institution claims to promote patriotism while silencing dissent, especially when corps members draw attention to the very governance failures under which they are expected to serve.

Tinubu’s administration, which removed fuel subsidies shortly after taking office in May 2023, has faced mounting criticism for policies that have doubled fuel prices and deepened economic hardship.

Raye’s video further shows the disconnect between the government’s empty promises of prosperity and the reality of Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities. Yet, instead of addressing these grievances, the NYSC’s response shows a preference for censorship over accountability.

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