NYSC Corper Summoned After Calling Tinubu “Terrible”; Father Died Protesting Land Demolition

In May 2019, Chief Inspector Raphael A. Ushie of the Nigeria Immigration Service tragically lost his life after his farmland in Ukambi, Cross River State, was demolished to make way for the Obudu International Airport....CONTINUE READING>>>

Ushie, who was close to retirement, had invested his life savings into developing a palm plantation. When he heard that farmlands in neighboring communities had been destroyed and that Ukambi was next, he rushed home in his uniform to confront the bulldozers. Determined to stop the demolition, he stood in front of the machinery while other community members joined in protest.

Amid the chaos, Ushie collapsed and was taken to a hospital in Obudu. Due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where he later passed away. His family received no compensation for the destroyed plantation or the financial loss they suffered. His widow was left to single-handedly support their children through school, with no restitution from the authorities.

Years later, in March 2025, Ushie’s daughter, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, now 24 and serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Lagos, gained attention for a viral TikTok video. In the video, she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly for the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. She described Tinubu as a “terrible president” and lamented that the NYSC allowance was not enough to cover basic living expenses.

Following her comments, the NYSC summoned Rita for questioning, citing violations of corps members’ conduct rules, which prohibit public criticism of the government. The incident has sparked national debate on free speech and citizens’ rights to express their frustrations.

Political figures like Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, condemned the government’s reaction, arguing that “silencing dissent undermines Nigeria’s democratic values.”

Rita’s story reflects the widespread frustrations of Nigerians struggling with economic challenges and systemic inefficiencies. Her family’s ordeal—from the loss of her father while protesting land demolition to her current struggles with expressing dissent—highlights ongoing tensions between the government and citizens over land rights, freedom of speech, and economic policies.

The situation remains unresolved, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue between the government and the people to address grievances and strengthen democratic principles.