Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, have expressed strong support for corps member Ushie Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, following the viral video in which she publicly criticized the Federal Government’s economic policies.
Raye, a Lagos-based corps member, gained widespread attention after she voiced her concerns over the soaring cost of living in the country, calling out President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In her video, she also revealed that certain officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had threatened her in response to her comments on the government’s handling of the economy.
In reaction to Raye’s courage, Atiku commended her bravery, describing her as a symbol of the new generation of women who stand firm for political accountability and public participation. He emphasized her role as a fearless advocate for change, unafraid to speak truth to power.
“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.
He drew a powerful parallel between Raye and other iconic Nigerian women, such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, who defied adversity in their pursuit of the common good. Rather than punishing her for her courage, Atiku urged Nigerians to celebrate and support Raye, calling her a beacon of hope for a brighter future led by youth determined to reshape the nation’s future.
Similarly, Peter Obi voiced his concern over the intimidation faced by Raye, stating that her experience is part of a broader troubling trend in Nigeria, where voices of reason and truth are often met with hostility instead of constructive dialogue.
Obi, who has faced his own share of threats for offering policy suggestions, pointed out that such actions undermine the principles of democracy.
“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 stated on his X handle.
Obi urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reconsider its stance on dissent and engage in meaningful dialogue with critics, recognizing that constructive criticism is vital to a democracy’s growth.
He called on Nigerians to be unafraid and continue voicing their concerns about misgovernance, injustice, and oppression.
He concluded, “Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation. Stand firm, support one another, and continue advocating for a Nigeria where freedom of speech is upheld and leaders are held accountable to the people.”
Both leaders expressed their belief that Nigeria can only move forward if citizens, like Raye, are empowered to speak openly about their challenges, while the government takes immediate and meaningful steps to address these concerns. A just and prosperous Nigeria, they insisted, must be one where the voices of the people are not silenced but amplified.
