Raye, a Corp member & TikTok influencer with over 60,000 followers recently posted a video where she complained about the alarming inflation in the country. She cried in the video and stated that the current president of Nigeria is a very terrible president. She further backed up the video with another video where she encouraged Nigerians to join her on a 30 day rants challenge where they would use their social media pages to call out the government to ensure that prices reduce.
The videos have gone viral and have led to various threats to the influencer. Raye, who officially bears Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has received various calls and summons with the claims that she has broken the NYSC code of conduct.
Several politicians have decided to stand with her on this. Peter Obi, former presidential candidate tweeted:
The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.
Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration.
This pattern is 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.
I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize 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.
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.
A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a former gubernatorial candidate for Lagos state also took to twitter to say:
Raye is all of us, and any attempt to oppress and silence her is a direct assault on citizens liberty.
We run a constitutional democracy and not a monarchy where the people are subjects to a king. Hence, citizens have a moral and constitutional right to dissenting views and opinions.
Our youths are in pain, suffering great deprivation because a corrupt and incompetent political class has stolen their future. But it doesn’t end with them inflicting pain and hardship, they still want to determine how you react to their oppression.
They want you to smile at cruel oppression, to celebrate mediocrity and applaud stagnancy.
We owe it a duty, to our conscience, country and unborn generation to resist this tyranny. We will not submit. We are not slaves. We are citizens.
I stand with Raye.
Even more surprising, Atiku Abubakar also tweeted on this incident.
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.
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. -AA
If they were the ones in power with this situation at hand, do you think their opinions at the moment will stand? One can only wonder. The entire incident is interesting to watch and we can only hope that threats are just threats and that Raye is safe.
If you enjoyed this article, click here to read more informative posts, also check us out on Instagram for fun and engaging content.
Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information.
