ONE VOICE, BRAVE & BOLD: USHIE RITA UGUAMAYE DARES TO SPEAK UP
Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, is a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member currently serving in Lagos State, Nigeria. She has recently gained widespread attention following a viral TikTok video in which she passionately expressed her frustrations over the rising cost of living and openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the economic hardships faced by Nigerians tagging him a “terrible” president.
In the emotional video, Raye detailed the struggles she has encountered while navigating adulthood for the first time—living independently and fending for herself in an increasingly difficult economic climate. She lamented the constant and rapid increase in the cost of essential goods and services, describing how the financial burden had taken a toll on her mental well-being.
Among the pressing issues she raised were skyrocketing rent prices, doubled electricity bills for an inconsistent power supply, and the general inadequacy of the NYSC allowance. She also pointed out a longstanding concern regarding NYSC postings: the official guidelines state that corps members should either be provided with accommodations by their place of primary assignment (PPA) or be given a stipend sufficient to cover rent. However, in reality, many accommodations provided are poorly maintained, while stipends, when given, barely cover the high cost of living.
Raye’s most controversial remark came when she described President Tinubu as a “terrible” leader, accusing the government of neglecting the economic hardships suffered by ordinary Nigerians. Her raw and unfiltered account quickly resonated with many across the country, leading to her video being widely circulated by citizens who shared similar frustrations.
However, within hours of the video going viral, Raye reported receiving threats from NYSC officials, who demanded she remove the content, accusing her of disrespecting the President. She disclosed that she felt unsafe, especially as NYSC officials had access to her personal information, including her residential address. In released evidence, a Local Government Inspector (LGI) was heard attempting to intimidate her into taking down the video, but she remained steadfast in her stance.
“If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government,” she asserted in her video.
Her bravery quickly garnered support from prominent political figures, including former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar. Peter Obi condemned the threats against her, stressing that such actions contradict democratic values. Atiku Abubakar praised her courage, likening her to historic female activists who have championed social justice and the common good.
Amnesty International condemned the threats and intimidation allegedly directed at Ushie Rita Uguamaye, stating that she has the right to express her opinions freely. The organization emphasized that instead of silencing voices of dissent, the Nigerian government should focus on addressing the economic challenges that have left millions of citizens struggling.
Amnesty called on authorities, including the NYSC, to stop treating criticism as a crime and to ensure that individuals can speak out without fear of harassment or persecution. They stressed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that the government must protect, rather than punish, those who exercise it. Additionally, Amnesty urged the authorities to end all forms of intimidation against Uguamaye and to prioritize meaningful solutions to the economic hardships affecting Nigerians.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes,” Amnesty International clearly stated.
Following the controversy, the NYSC summoned Raye to appear before the Local Government Inspector at the Eti-Osa 3 local government office on Monday, March 17, 2025. In response, human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, alongside legal representatives and other activists, accompanied her to the scheduled meeting. However, upon arrival, the NYSC officials were reportedly absent, leading Sowore to claim that they had absconded to avoid confrontation, especially given the overwhelming public support for Raye.
The situation has sparked intense debate across the nation. Some argue that Raye violated the affidavit corps members sign upon joining the NYSC, which restricts them from engaging in political discourse. Others, however, believe she was well within her rights to speak up about the program’s shortcomings, emphasizing that the Nigerian Constitution—designed to protect citizens’ rights and well-being—takes precedence over any NYSC bylaw that attempts to suppress free speech.
This incident has reignited discussions on the struggles of Nigerian youths, the failures of government institutions, and the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression in a democratic society. Whether or not Raye faces consequences for her outspokenness, one thing is clear—her voice has sparked a national conversation that can no longer be ignored.
