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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Amnesty International are among numerous Nigerians who have denounced the alleged threats against a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, commonly referred to as Raye, after she shared a TikTok video criticizing the increasing cost of living in Nigeria.
Atiku commended Raye's bravery, comparing her to notable Nigerian women activists like Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo. “Raye exemplifies the spirit of a new generation of women who advocate for active engagement and persistent advocacy in the political arena,” Atiku remarked.
“I have great admiration for her courage and intelligence, her steadfast determination to confront authority without being swayed by opposition. She is following the path of strong pioneers who have remained steadfast in defending the common good.”
He expressed that Raye should be supported rather than threatened, characterizing her as “a brilliant symbol of Nigerian youth, a reflection of the enduring promise that tomorrow's leaders are already among us, prepared to forge a better future.”
Amnesty International also condemned the threats, demanding an end to the intimidation of individuals who raise concerns about governance and economic conditions. “The harsh threats directed at the corps member by NYSC officials and others must be retracted,” the organization asserted. “Her rights and safety must be safeguarded.”
Raye, a corps member based in Lagos, had posted a TikTok video addressing the economic hardships confronting young Nigerians, particularly how the current NYSC stipend is inadequate for basic needs. Less than a day later, she was reportedly contacted by NYSC officials telling her to take down the video.
In a recorded phone conversation, an official is alleged to have remarked, “Are you normal? Be quiet and remove the video you shared.” Despite the pressure, Raye stood her ground, asserting, “Deleting this content serves no purpose because they already recognize me. However, taking it down means that whatever happens to me will go unnoticed.”
Adding his support, Lagos politician Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour vehemently denounced the threats, deeming them a violation of fundamental rights. “Raye represents all of us, and any effort to suppress and silence her is an outright attack on the liberties of citizens,” he stated.
“We operate within a constitutional democracy, not a monarchy where individuals are subjects to a ruler. Therefore, citizens possess both a moral and constitutional right to express dissenting views and opinions.”
He accused Nigeria’s political elite of trying to manage public responses to suffering, asserting, “They expect you to smile in the face of brutal oppression, to rejoice in mediocrity, and to celebrate stagnation. We have a duty to our conscience, our country, and future generations to resist this tyranny. We will not yield. We are not slaves; we are citizens. I stand with Raye.”
Human rights attorney Inibehe Effiong also criticized the alleged threats, emphasizing that corps members are entitled to voice their opinions. “There is no clause in the NYSC Act or its Bye-Laws that forbids corps members from critiquing governance and national matters,” Effiong explained. He further clarified that corps members are not categorized as civil or public servants and thus are not bound by civil service regulations that restrict political expression.
This incident has rekindled widespread dissatisfaction among corps members regarding their allowances. Despite the federal government endorsing a new minimum wage, NYSC members continue to receive ₦33,000 monthly, which many believe is insufficient given the current inflation and rising expenses.
The NYSC has not yet released an official statement on the situation, but the mounting support for Raye has amplified calls for enhanced protections for free speech and improved economic policies for young Nigerians.
