A tragic story has emerged surrounding the family of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member recently queried for publicly criticizing President Bola Tinubu.
Journalist and human rights activist Agba Jalingo detailed the heartbreaking background of Rita’s struggles in a social media post, revealing that her father, Chief Inspector Raphael A. Ushie of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), lost his life after protesting the demolition of his palm plantation. The land was cleared to make way for the construction of the Obudu International Airport in Cross River State.
Tragic Loss Following Protest
According to Jalingo, the incident occurred in May 2019 when Raphael Ushie joined fellow community members from Ukambi, Obudu, to protest the destruction of their farmlands. The protesters opposed the demolition of cultivated lands, which many had invested their life savings into.
During the demonstration, Ushie—dressed in his official uniform—attempted to stop the bulldozers from encroaching on his property. Despite his efforts, the machines continued their work, leaving him and other farmers devastated. Shortly after the protest, Ushie collapsed and was rushed to a hospital in Obudu. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where he passed away.
Jalingo emphasized that the late officer had dedicated years to developing his palm plantation, only for it to be destroyed without compensation. “Not a single dime was paid to the family as compensation for the destroyed plantation or any other expenses,” Jalingo stated.
A Daughter’s Struggles and Outrage
At the time of her father’s death, Rita was only 19 years old. The loss plunged her family into financial hardship, forcing her mother to bear the burden of raising and educating her children alone.
Five years later, Rita, now 24, expressed her frustration with Nigeria’s economic situation through a viral TikTok video. She criticized President Tinubu’s administration, lamenting the soaring cost of goods, the financial struggles of NYSC members, and the deteriorating quality of life.
“If more Nigerians start speaking out about what we are going through, maybe the government will take action,” she said in the video, adding, “I don’t know if there has ever been a President worse than you, but you are such a terrible leader.”
Her video, which quickly gained traction, also highlighted the inadequacy of the NYSC allowance to cover basic living expenses. She detailed how the cost of essential goods had skyrocketed, making survival increasingly difficult.
NYSC’s Response
Following her remarks, the NYSC board summoned Rita to the Eti-Osa 3 local government office in Lagos, citing her violation of NYSC bylaws that prohibit corps members from openly criticizing government officials. The directive instructed her to report to the office without fail.
Jalingo and other activists have since called for support for Rita, arguing that her outrage is justified given her personal history with government inefficiency.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians sympathizing with Rita’s plight. Critics argue that instead of punishing her for speaking out, authorities should address the underlying economic issues affecting citizens.
Jalingo summed up her situation by saying, “If you were in her position—living in a country where the system unjustly took your father when you were just 19, leaving your mother to struggle, and when you finally express your frustration, the same system that killed your father threatens you too—where is the freedom of expression?”
As Rita faces repercussions for her outburst, calls for justice and fair treatment continue to grow. Many believe that rather than penalizing her, the government should listen to the voices of struggling Nigerians and take immediate action to address their concerns.
