By Emmanuel Ogbodo
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps member in Lagos, who alleged she received threats after criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a viral video.
In a statement on X, Atiku praised Uguamaye, also known as Raye, for her courage, describing her as a beacon of politically active young women.
He compared her boldness to that of legendary activists like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, urging Nigerians to support rather than intimidate her.
Raye’s video, posted on TikTok under the name #talktoraye, condemned rising inflation and economic hardship in the country.
She labeled Tinubu a “terrible leader” and questioned the government’s handling of the crisis, sparking both praise and backlash online.
Following the video’s spread, Raye claimed NYSC officials pressured her to take it down.
Authorities are yet to respond to the allegations as public debate over freedom of speech intensifies.
