Atiku praises corps member who said Tinubu is a terrible president, says she is like Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, others
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has admired the ‘boldness and wisdom’ of the Lagos-based member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ushie Uguamaye, who criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recently, Uguamaye, known on TikTok as @talktoraye, shared a video in which she called out the Tinubu administration over the economic hardship faced by Nigerians since it was sworn in.
She also took a swipe at the alleged poor living conditions in Lagos State, which she described as a “smelling state.”
In another TikTok video, the young lady claimed that she was threatened on phone by an official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the video criticising the President.
She also shared a screenshot of a message allegedly received from NYSC officials summoning her to report to the Eti-Osa Local Government office on Monday.
According to Uguamaye, she fears for her life because she has also been receiving threats from anonymous persons after her video went viral.
Reacting, Atiku said Uguamaye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.
He noted that her boldness and outspokenness reflect the spirit of iconic female activists who championed the cause of social justice in Nigeria’s history.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart praised her for daring to speak truth to power in the face of criticism and intimidation, and maintained that voices like hers should be encouraged rather than silenced.
He tweeted, “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.”
Meanwhile, the corps member could have her service year extended by 30 days with half pay following her criticism of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
This is according to the NYSC Bye Laws (Revised 2011).
The first video shared by Uguamaye may have contravened the NYSC Bye-Laws (Revised 2011), the section which says corps members are “not be rude to constituted authority” during primary assignments.
It reads: “Any member who is rude to constituted authority shall be tried by the Corps Disciplinary Committee and, if found guilty, be liable to extension of service for a period not less than thirty (30) days with half pay.”