A heated debate has been raging on Nigerian social media platforms after a corps member serving in Lagos State criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the state of the country in a viral video.

The corps member lamented the high cost of living and economic challenges facing Nigeria, referring to Lagos as a “smelling state” and labeling President Tinubu a “terrible leader.” 

Her comments have sparked a nationwide discussion on whether corps members have the right to express their opinions on the state of the country.

Some argue that as a corps member, she is bound by the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) handbook and should not openly criticize the government. 

Others contend that she has the right to freedom of speech as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.

The debate has also raised questions about the status of corps members, with some arguing that they are employees of the Nigerian government and should therefore not speak out on national issues. 

Others claim that the NYSC is a para-military organization, making it a sensitive area.

Despite the backlash, the corps member alleges that some NYSC officials have threatened her over her comments. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has yet to officially comment on the matter.

What the corps member said that caused an uproar in the country?

The corps member lamented the economic condition of the country in a viral video post on social media. She stated that food prices are rising every week and questioned what the government is doing to reduce the high cost of living. She described President Tinubu as a “terrible president” due to the worsening economic situation.

“I just want to say our president, I don’t know if any other president is worse than you. But you are a terrible president.”

After the video went viral, the corps member posted another video on her TikTok account, alleging that an NYSC official called and threatened her to delete the video. 

However, she insisted that she spoke the truth about the country’s situation.

“Dear Nigerians, the NYSC board has been threatening me to stop speaking on this issue. Within 24 hours, the government has already started threatening me, starting with the NYSC board!

“Why can’t I speak up? Because I’m an NYSC corps member, it doesn’t mean I don’t have the right to complain.

“Why doesn’t the government want to listen to the criticisms of its citizens? They believe they have a hold on me through the NYSC, and they’re using it to silence me.”

What does the NYSC law and the Nigerian constitution say about this issue?

Regarding the NYSC law and Nigerian constitution, there is no specific section that bans corps members from criticizing the government.

 However, Section 3 (i) of the NYSC Bye-Laws Code of Conduct (2011) states that any 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, shall be liable to extension of service for 30 days on half pay.

“Any member who speaks to the press about any policy issue without the written consent of the State Coordinator will be tried by the Camp Court, and if found guilty, will be liable to an extension of service for 30 days on half pay.”

Human Rights Lawyer Inibehe Effiong clarified that criticizing the president or government is not an offense under the NYSC Act or Bye-Laws. He stated that the corps member was within her constitutional right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( 1999) (as amended).

Amnesty international, others react

Amnesty International and other human rights groups have reacted to the situation, stating that the corps member was within her right to express her discontent peacefully. 

They advised the authorities to prioritize addressing the country’s economic woes instead of threatening her life.

President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Festus Osifo advised the government not to go after the corps member but to be “tolerant of critics.”

Former Nigeria Vice President Atiku Abubakar posted, “I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.”

Human rights activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore rallied support for the corps member, stating that he would accompany her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector office alongside a team of lawyers if needed.

BBC PIDGIN