Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed support for Lagos-based NYSC member Ushie Uguamaye (Raye), who claims she received threats over a viral video criticizing Tinubu’s government. Atiku praised her courage, likening her to historic activists and urging Nigerians to support politically engaged youths rather than silence them.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Lagos, who claims to have received threats following a viral video in which she criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Atiku, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, described Raye as a symbol of a new wave of politically engaged youth, particularly women, who are unafraid to challenge authority.
He likened her to legendary Nigerian activists Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and Gambo Sawaba, emphasizing the need for support rather than hostility toward outspoken youths.
Raye made headlines after her TikTok video condemning the government’s economic policies went viral. She accused the Tinubu administration of failing to address worsening hardship, adding that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.
Shortly after, she alleged that NYSC officials pressured her to delete the video, and she began receiving threats. The authorities have yet to respond to her claims.
Atiku’s backing has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding his support for free speech, while others argue that corps members should remain politically neutral.
