Seunfunmi Joshua
When Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, picked up her phone to record a video over the weekend, she probably didn’t expect it to spark a national conversation. Like many young Nigerians, she was frustrated. The rising cost of living, the seemingly endless hardship, and the feeling of being unheard all boiled over. In a raw and emotional outburst, she voiced her anger at the government, specifically blaming President Bola Tinubu for the economic struggles.
But instead of a conversation, what she got was something else entirely: summons, threats, and an unexpected show of solidarity.
Here’s how her story unfolded and what it says about freedom of speech, youth activism, and the state of Nigeria today.
A Cry of Frustration That Went Viral
It started with a simple but powerful video. Raye, an NYSC member in Lagos, did what many young people do; she took to social media to express herself. She didn’t hold back. She described the economy as unbearable and openly criticized President Tinubu’s leadership.
Her words resonated with thousands. Social media users flooded her comment section, echoing her frustrations. In a country where everyday essentials seem to double in price overnight, her message struck a nerve. But while many sympathized, others saw it as dangerous territory.
The Backlash: Summons and Threats
Shortly after her video went viral, Raye claimed that officials from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) contacted her, demanding that she take down the video. She also said she had received threats, though it was unclear who was behind them.
Things escalated when she was officially summoned by the Local Government Inspector (LGI) of the NYSC in Lagos. The message was clear: she needed to explain herself. But explain what exactly? Was she being punished for simply speaking her mind?
Support from the Public and the Trade Union Congress (TUC)
As Raye’s video gained national attention, support has poured in from prominent figures, including 2023 presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Atiku praised Raye’s courage, calling her a symbol of a new generation of women advocating for political participation and fearless activism. “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 Ransome-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.”
Peter Obi also weighed in, warning that Raye’s experience was part of a troubling trend where voices of truth are silenced rather than engaged in dialogue. “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 neither democratic nor accountable 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 recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.”
Beyond individual endorsements, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) also threw its weight behind Raye. TUC President Festus Osifo acknowledged the deep frustration among Nigerians, especially the youth, stating that she had only voiced what many others felt. He urged the government to practice tolerance, warning that suppressing dissent would only widen the existing divide between the people and those in power.
A Show of Support
On Monday, images showed Raye arriving at the NYSC office with activist Omoyele Sowore and a team of lawyers by her side. Their arrival wasn’t just a show of support; it put the spotlight on the NYSC’s handling of the situation, raising even more questions about free speech and accountability.
But then, something unexpected happened. The NYSC officials who summoned her were nowhere to be found.
According to Sowore, when they arrived at the Eti-Osa LGI office, the officials had “absconded.”
They went into hiding rather than face the growing media attention and legal scrutiny. The institution that had demanded an explanation suddenly had none to give.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Free Speech in Nigeria
Raye’s frustrations in that video are more than just a viral moment. It raises serious questions:
- Can young Nigerians speak out against the government without fear?
- Is NYSC, an institution meant to promote unity, being used to silence criticism?
- If officials truly believed Raye was wrong, why did they flee instead of facing her?
Social media has given young Nigerians a powerful tool for activism. But as Raye’s experience shows, speaking truth to power can come with risks. Still, her courage along with the overwhelming support she has received proves that the voices of ordinary Nigerians are growing louder.
If the government is listening, they might realize that silencing people is no longer as easy as it used to be.
