Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to immediately rescind what it described as an “arbitrary and outrageous” decision to withhold the discharge certificate of Rita Ushei, popularly known as Raye, after completing her one-year national service.
The human rights body said the action reflects “unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices” and may be linked to Ushei’s social media criticism of widespread economic hardship stemming from President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
“It is within her right to express discontent peacefully,” Amnesty stated, urging the authorities to address the country’s worsening economic crisis rather than punish individuals for voicing concerns over inflation and living costs.
The organisation warned that the move violates both Nigeria’s constitution and international law, which guarantee freedom of expression. “Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” it said.
In March, Ushei faced threats to her life after a viral TikTok video in which she criticised the Tinubu administration for policies that Amnesty says have plunged millions into poverty. Since May 2023, the group noted, government economic measures have eroded access to food, healthcare, and education, particularly for low-income Nigerians.
“No one should be punished for expressing dissent,” Amnesty stressed, adding that authorities have a duty to respect and protect freedom of expression without discrimination.
