By Eke Chioma
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed support for Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member known as Raye, who alleged receiving threats for calling President Tinubu ‘Terrible’ in her video.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Atiku praised Raye’s courage, describing her as a symbol of a new generation of politically engaged women committed to advocacy and democratic participation.
“Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,”Atiku wrote.
“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has condemned the reported threats, calling for an end to the intimidation of citizens who express concerns over governance and economic conditions.
“The vicious threats to the youth corps member by NYSC officials and others must be withdrawn,” the organization stated. “Her rights and safety must be guaranteed.”
Background
Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a Lagos-based NYSC member, raised concerns about alleged threats following the circulation of her viral video criticizing President Tinubu over inflation and economic hardship.
In a video posted on her TikTok account (#talktoraye) on Saturday, Uguamaye expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, lamenting that hard work seems futile amid financial struggles.
She openly criticized Tinubu, referring to him as a “terrible leader”, while also questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate citizens’ suffering. Additionally, she described Lagos State as a “smelling state”, citing its odour and poor living conditions.
Shortly after her video gained traction, Uguamaye alleged that she began receiving threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, urging her to stop criticizing the government and delete the video.
She stated: “Yesterday, I made a video talking about the Nigerian government and how terrible President Tinubu is, and I was crying in the video. Thirty minutes ago, I received a call from the NYSC board, starting with the secretariat before the LGI. For the NYSC secretariat, I’m going to attach some of the things she said so you guys can hear.”
During a conversation with an alleged NYSC official, the official was heard asking: “Are you normal?”
In response, Raye clarified that she was not insulting the president. However, the official interjected: “Come on, keep quiet there. Pull down that rubbish you put there. You are not talking to your mate.”
Raye then asked: “Are you threatening me?”
NYSC Summons Uguamaye
Following the controversy, the NYSC has summoned Ushie Rita Uguamaye over her viral social media post criticizing President Tinubu’s administration.
A message from the NYSC Local Government Inspector (LGI), seen on Sunday, instructed Uguamaye, identified by code number LA/24B/832, to report to the Eti Osa 3 local government office by 10 a.m. on Monday without fail.
The development has triggered widespread reactions from Nigerians, with many questioning whether corps members should be restricted from expressing their views on governance and national issues.
