Amnesty International condemns threat, intimidation of NYSC lady who lambasts govt over high cost of living

Amnesty International has weighed into the allegation of intimidation by the board of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against a serving corps member who called out the Nigerian government for allowing the cost of living to escalate non-stop.

The unnamed lady had used her tik tok account to query President Bola Tinubu on what he was doing to stabilize prices because the cost of living pressure was taking a toll on her.

In response, the NYSC allegedly asked the lady to pull down the video or face sanction.

In swift reaction by Amnesty International, it says the lady was unconscionable.
The statement reads: “Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video.

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes.

“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime.”