Lagos, Nigeria – Popular Nigerian activist and actor, Mr Macaroni, has strongly condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for allegedly intimidating a corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye (Raye), after her viral video criticizing the government sparked widespread reactions.

In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Macaroni insisted that corps members, like all Nigerians, have the fundamental right to hold their leaders accountable without fear of harassment.

“To the DG, Coordinators, and every official of the NYSC!!! You cannot threaten, intimidate, or victimize any corper for expressing their view on the performance of the president. They are citizens with rights! The president is in office to serve the people, and every Nigerian, corper or not, has the right to hold their leaders accountable!!!”

The controversy began when Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos State, took to TikTok to share an emotional video about the rising cost of living in Nigeria. Fighting back tears, she lamented the soaring prices of goods and services compared to the meagre salaries earned, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu and President Tinubu to take immediate action.

While the video drew mixed reactions—some Nigerians criticized her stance, while others rallied behind her—things escalated when Raye alleged that an NYSC board member had called and threatened her, demanding she delete the video. She further claimed that fellow corps members had warned her that board officials were actively searching for her.

Reacting to the development, Mr Macaroni expressed his frustration over what he described as a culture of systemic oppression in Nigeria, stating:

“The oppressed are so in love with their oppressors. They are comfortable in their chains so far it’s not too tight. Even when it gets too tight, they will use their last dying breath to defend.”

The incident has sparked outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the alleged actions of the NYSC board and demanding accountability.

As of now, the NYSC is yet to release an official statement addressing the allegations.