The Lagos-based corps member, Rita Ushie Uguamaye, Saturday raised concerns over alleged threats following her viral video criticising the government over economic hardship.
In a video shared 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 criticised Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s efforts to alleviate citizens’ suffering.
Additionally, she described Lagos State as a “smelling state,” complaining about its odour and poor living conditions.
Shortly after her video gained traction, Uguamaye alleged that she began receiving threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the content.
Frustrated by the backlash, she took to Instagram #iamraye__ to express her disappointment at what she described as attempts to silence her, insisting that she only spoke the truth about Nigeria’s realities.
She wrote, “Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue. Less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government starting with the NYSC board!
“Dear Nigerians, they have my address. In case you guys don’t see me online, please you know who to hold accountable. I didn’t do anything wrong I just asked that they work on the inflation.
“Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed up my right to complain.
“Why can’t the government listen to the critics of its citizens? (Sic) They believe they have a chain on me, which is NYSC, and they are using it to hold me. #officialasiwajubat I didn’t do anything wrong. I criticised your government and I demand that we are being heard.”
She added, “Deleting this content is of no use: because they already know me. However, deleting it means whatever they do to me, nobody would know. If they decide to give me a hefty punishment, nobody would know because I used my own hands to cover it by deleting what I started.
“She’s asking people to identify me? I’m not a criminal. Reading the NYSC rules, I didn’t commit any crime. Ask the NYSC lady to stop asking people to point me out, ATP she’s acting scary.”
Reacting to the development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a statement shared on X on Sunday, 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.
The former presidential candidate likened Raye to historic female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Atiku called for support rather than hostility towards Raye.
Also, Amnesty International has condemned the threats and intimidation by the alleged threats of NYSC authorities directed at a corps member, Corper Uguamaye.
The group, in an ‘X’ post, said it is within her right as a citizen to express her discontent peacefully, while also advising the government to focus on addressing the issues she raised rather than threatening her to delete the video.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes,” Amnesty said.
A lot of Nigerians have also taken to various social media platforms to voice their support for Ms. Uguamaye.
On Sunday, a message from the NYSC Local Government Inspector, LGI, according to SaharaReporters, instructed Ms. Uguamaye with code number LA/24B/832, to report to the Eti Osa 3 local government office by 10 a.m on Monday without fail.
