•Peter Obi, Rita Uguamaye and Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) have backed National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, over her viral video criticising the federal government’s policies.
Raye, a Lagos-based Corps member went viral recently after she criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government over the spike in the cost of living in the country, reports Channels TV.
She accused some officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of threatening her after the comments about the state of the economy.
But Atiku and Obi have hailed the NYSC member and described her as a courageous lady who should be supported instead of being vilified.
“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 on X.
“She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defense of the common good.
“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.”
For Obi, Raye’s experience “highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement”.
The former Anambra State governor said the NYSC member’s experience is also “not isolated”.
“I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments. I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt,” Obi wrote on his X handle.
He called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to “reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognise that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.
“To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation,” the LP presidential candidate for the 2023 election said.
“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
“A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.”
