According to a video on YouTube by Channels, a recent controversy involving a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member has sparked discussions about freedom of speech, government accountability, and the role of organized labor in Nigeria.
The video features a conversation in which a young female corps member alleges that she was threatened by an NYSC official for speaking out about the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
The official was reportedly rude to her, insisting that she take down her comments, prompting her to ask, “Are you threatening me?”
This incident raises concerns about whether Nigerians are being silenced and whether the government is becoming increasingly intolerant of criticism.
A guest on the program, a representative of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), strongly defended the right to free speech, emphasizing that the Nigerian constitution guarantees this freedom.
However, he also pointed out that while citizens have the right to express their frustrations, they should do so with some level of decorum.
He noted that public officials, especially during difficult economic times, must develop resilience and patience, understanding that people are frustrated, hungry, and desperate.
According to him, for many, social media has become the only platform to express grievances, and rather than silencing critics, the government should be more tolerant and empathetic.
The discussion also touched on the NYSC rulebook, which states that any corps member who is rude to “constituted authority” may face disciplinary action, including an extension of service with half pay.
However, it remains unclear whether “constituted authority” refers specifically to NYSC officials or extends to government authorities at all levels.
The TUC representative criticized the selective enforcement of these rules, arguing that while corps members are expected to follow regulations, the NYSC itself has obligations it has failed to fulfill, such as improving corps members’ remuneration.
He pointed out that if corps members were paid adequately—perhaps ₦120,000 or ₦150,000 monthly—many would not be as frustrated. He emphasized that rules should not be used as tools for intimidation while the organization itself neglects its responsibilities.
The conversation then shifted to the broader issue of governance under President Bola Tinubu.
The guest acknowledged that while there have been some positive developments, such as the student loan initiative and credit schemes, these efforts need to be expanded.
However, he noted that the primary concerns of Nigerians revolve around survival—food, housing, energy costs, and overall affordability of life.
The rising cost of living has placed enormous pressure on citizens, and despite any progress made, the government still has significant gaps to address.
He admitted that no rational observer would rate the first two years of the administration highly but remained open to the possibility that things could improve in the latter half of the term.
The discussion also delved into the role of organized labor in Nigeria.
Many Nigerians feel that labor unions, such as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and TUC, are not doing enough to advocate for the common people.
In response, the guest, who also serves as the president of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), defended labor unions, stating that their primary responsibility is to their dues-paying members.
He pointed out that they have successfully negotiated better wages for workers in sectors like oil and gas, where salaries have significantly improved due to union efforts.
He also criticized Nigerians for failing to take responsibility during elections. He argued that many voters knowingly support corrupt politicians in exchange for money, only to later blame labor unions for not fixing the country.
“You cannot collect ₦1,000 or ₦5,000 to vote for a candidate you know is a criminal and then expect organized labor to fix Nigeria,” he stated.
He stressed that governance requires collective effort from all sectors, including the media, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens.
Unlike in developed countries where institutions function properly, Nigeria’s challenges stem from a lack of accountability across the board.
The discussion concluded with a call for greater civic responsibility.
While organized labor has a role to play, so do the media, opposition parties, and everyday Nigerians.
The guest argued that unions cannot be expected to single-handedly “go and kill” themselves in protests while citizens remain passive. He urged for a collective approach to national development, where everyone plays their part in holding leaders accountable.
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