NYSC CORPS MEMBER SANCTIONED FOR CRITICIZING TINUBU LOST FATHER IN LAND PROTEST – AGBA JALINGO
JOURNALIST REVEALS TRAGIC BACKSTORY BEHIND CONTROVERSIAL COMMENT
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Human rights activist and journalist Agba Jalingo has provided insight into the painful history of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, the NYSC corps member recently reprimanded for describing President Bola Tinubu as a “terrible leader.” Jalingo explained that Rita’s outspoken nature may stem from personal tragedy—her father’s untimely death during a protest against land demolition in Cross River State.
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A FATHER’S FINAL STAND AGAINST LAND DEMOLITION
According to Jalingo, Rita was only 19 years old when her father, Mr. Raphael A. Ushie, an immigration officer, lost his life in 2019. The cause? A desperate attempt to protect his palm plantation from being cleared for the construction of the Obudu International Airport.
Jalingo recounted that when the demolition reached the Ukambi community, where Ushie’s plantation was located, he rushed to the scene in his immigration uniform and confronted the bulldozer head-on. His resistance soon inspired other community members to join the protest, but the emotional toll proved fatal.
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A SUDDEN COLLAPSE AND AN UNCOMPENSATED LOSS
Shortly after actively participating in the demonstration, Ushie collapsed. He was taken to a hospital in Obudu and later transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where he passed away. His death marked not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a **loss of years of hard work and life savings** invested in his plantation.
Despite the devastating impact of his death, Jalingo emphasized that the family **never received compensation** for their loss.
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WHY RITA’S CRITICISM STEMS FROM PAIN
While Jalingo acknowledged that NYSC rules prohibit corps members from publicly criticizing authorities, he argued that Rita is a victim of her circumstances.
“She violated the rule book, but I understand why. If I were in her shoes, I would not have acted differently,” Jalingo stated.
His revelation offers a new perspective on Rita’s actions, suggesting that her criticism of the president may be deeply rooted in a long-standing sense of injustice and loss.
