PUBLIC SCRUTINY has intensified over the treatment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, following her viral video criticising the government.
The Explainer gathered that human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has stepped in to support her, further igniting debates on freedom of speech and political expression in Nigeria.
Uguamaye recently took to TikTok to express her frustrations over the country’s economic downturn, directly criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The video sparked a flurry of reactions, with some commending her courage while others condemned her stance. The corps member later alleged that she had received threats following her remarks. In response, the NYSC summoned her to appear before the Local Government Inspector (LGI) at Eti-Osa 3 in Lagos, a move that has since attracted significant national attention.
Sowore, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), announced his support for Uguamaye, stating, “The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos. She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today, and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys.”
The Explainer gathered that Uguamaye’s ordeal raises critical questions about the limits of free speech in Nigeria. While Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, incidents like this suggest a tightening grip on dissenting voices, especially when criticisms are directed at those in power.
Nigeria ranked 123rd out of 180 countries in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, indicating growing concerns over political intolerance. Analysts argue that cases like Uguamaye’s reflect broader patterns of shrinking civic space, where public criticism of government policies often results in intimidation or punitive measures.
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The NYSC, a scheme originally established to foster national unity, is now at the centre of a controversy that could redefine its perceived neutrality. Legal experts have pointed out that while corps members are expected to abide by NYSC regulations, those rules should not override. For instance, in a separate incident, Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong reacted strongly to a video showing a proprietress asking an NYSC member to kneel in her office, highlighting concerns over the treatment of corps members.
Atiku, Obi Back Raye Amidst Political Reactions
The Explainer learned that Uguamaye’s situation has drawn the attention of high-profile political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. Both have spoken out in her defence, urging the government to respect free speech.
Atiku, in a post on X, described Uguamaye as an example of “a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.”
He further stated, “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.”
Obi echoed similar sentiments, stating that the incident highlights “a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.”
He warned that silencing critical voices does not align with democratic values.
“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,” Obi remarked.
NYSC has yet to issue an official statement on Uguamaye’s case.
