Nigerians react as Atiku hails NYSC member for calling Tinubu a ‘terrible leader’
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has stirred controversy after publicly supporting a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Raye, who criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Raye, currently serving in Lagos State, made headlines after a viral video showed her condemning the rising cost of living in Nigeria, labeling Tinubu a “terrible leader.”
Following her remarks, she allegedly received threats from the NYSC, prompting outrage and discussions about freedom of expression.
Atiku, in a statement on his social media page, praised the corps member for her boldness, describing her as a symbol of the new generation of fearless Nigerian women.
He likened her to prominent activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, stressing that young people are already stepping up as future leaders.
Atiku’s support for Raye has sparked debate on social media, with some Nigerians accusing him of hypocrisy and political opportunism.
Atiku’s support for Raye has sparked debate on social media, with some Nigerians accusing him of hypocrisy and political opportunism, questioning his performance during his tenure as vice president.
Netizens Reactions…
@drpenking said: “Even you that has been VP for 8 years wan follow talk? How was your tenure? Don’t annoy me Sir.”
@lagosboy5050 said: “So Deborah who was lynched to death does not embody the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. As a leader don’t always pick and choose when to be outraged.”
@DavymartinCE0 said: “But you posted on Twitter concerning Deborah, deleted it, and ran to Facebook to post in Hausa now Raye embodies………… Deborah did not ba??”
@lifeissues_11 said: “Seeing people like you and PO and Sowore rallying around her, I believe NYSC will dress back on plan to humiliate her. NJ.”
@TheManAfricano reacted: “This won’t make people love you. You were in power for 8 years, with nothing to show for it. You have no moral right to say this Atiku.”
@eljay_101_ commented: “Just because it wasn’t you who was criticized. All of you are the same and no matter how loud you shout I will not vote for you.“
@madu_uwa said: “She is the Nigerian many people desire to be, but fear has held them back. What she has done deserves commendations than unnecessary hostility from propaganda machinery.”
@pee_rsp said: “When we criticize the government please don’t come here to whitewash yourself. You all are the same! Different gang, Same hustle.”
@Uncle_Olu_ commented: “Normal normal, you no really care. All these one wey you dey do na eye service. Your post on Deborah will always be a dent on your name and your aspiration. Na election dey make you talk all these one.”