A heated debate has erupted in Nigeria over whether members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) can openly express their opinions about the country’s state of affairs. This discussion gained traction over the weekend following the viral video of a corps member criticising the government. The controversy began when a Nigerian corps member serving in Lagos, the country’s largest commercial city, posted a video lamenting the rising cost of living and the country’s economic difficulties. She went further to directly criticise President Bola Tinubu’s administration, calling him a “terrible leader.” Additionally, she made an unflattering remark about Lagos, describing it as a “filthy state.” These statements ignited widespread debate on social media.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The video triggered a variety of reactions across Nigeria. Some argued that, as an NYSC member, she had no right to criticise the government publicly, citing the NYSC handbook, which regulates corps members’ conduct. Others defended her, asserting that she is a Nigerian citizen with the constitutional right to free speech.
Some critics pointed out that corps members are considered temporary employees of the government, meaning she should refrain from political statements. Others argued that NYSC is a paramilitary organisation, suggesting that corps members should remain apolitical.
Although the NYSC has yet to release an official statement on the matter, the corps member alleged that NYSC officials had contacted her and threatened her because of her remarks.
Corps Member Defends Herself
Following the backlash, the corps member posted another video on TikTok, claiming that NYSC officials pressured her to delete the initial video. However, she refused, stating that she was merely speaking the truth about the country’s situation.
“Dear Nigerians, the NYSC board is threatening me, telling me to stop talking about this issue. In less than 24 hours, the government has already started threatening me, beginning with the NYSC board!” she posted. “Why can’t I speak up? Just because I am an NYSC corps member does not mean I don’t have the right to complain. Why doesn’t the government want to listen to its citizens’ criticisms?”
Legal Perspectives on the Issue
The NYSC Bye-Laws do not explicitly prohibit corps members from criticising the government. However, Section 3(i) of the NYSC Bye-Laws (2011) states:
“Any corps member who addresses the press on any policy issue without written consent from the State Coordinator shall be tried by the Camp Court and, if found guilty, will be subject to an extension of service for thirty (30) days with half pay.”
This clause is often interpreted as a restriction on corps members making public statements about government policies without official clearance.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong commented on the matter, asserting that no provision in the NYSC Act subjects corps members to civil service regulations.
“Criticising the president or the government is not an offence under the NYSC Act,” he said. “She simply expressed her frustration with the country’s economic situation, particularly the impact of inflation on herself and other Nigerians. This is within her constitutional right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.”
Effiong also clarified that corps members are not civil servants. “The NYSC is a federal government agency, but corps members are not employees of the federal government or NYSC staff,” he added.
Amnesty International and Other Groups React
Amnesty International has condemned the alleged threats against the corps member, emphasising that she was exercising her fundamental rights.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with threats and intimidation to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in complete disregard of the Nigerian constitution and international law,” the human rights group stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Holding and voicing different views is not a crime.”
The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, also urged the government to be more tolerant of criticism. Speaking on a television program, Osifo said, “The government needs to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, and people are tired. So, if they choose to vent their anger, I strongly believe the government should not take it personally and go after such individuals.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed support for the corps member, praising her courage. “I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by opposition,” he said.
Meanwhile, human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has voiced his support for the corps member. In a post on X, he announced that he would accompany her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s office along with a team of lawyers in case she faced repercussions.
