Atiku backs Corps Member Raye for criticising Tinubu’s Govt, commends her boldness

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has applauded the courage of Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos, who recently faced backlash for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration over Nigeria’s economic situation.

In a post on his verified X account on Sunday, Atiku described the corps member, popularly known as Raye on social media, as a symbol of a new generation of fearless Nigerian women advocating for transparency and accountability in governance.

He commended her boldness, stating that her outspokenness mirrors the spirit of iconic female activists who fought for social justice in Nigeria’s history.

“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,” Atiku tweeted.

Raye has been trending on Nigerian social media platforms since Saturday after a video she posted on TikTok went viral. In the video, she lamented the country’s economic hardship and rising inflation, expressing frustration that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.

She criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader” and questioning what the government was doing to alleviate the struggles of Nigerians. She also condemned the poor living conditions in Lagos, which she described as a “smelling state.”

Following the viral video, Raye alleged that she started receiving threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the post.

She later took to Instagram to express disappointment over what she described as an attempt to silence her, insisting that she had only spoken the truth about the country’s current reality.