Nigeria’s former Vice president, Atiku Abubakar, celebrity Skit Maker, Debo Adedayo, popularly called Mr Macaroni, and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, have defended Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, who called President Bola Tinubu a “terrible” president.
TheNewsGuru reported that Rita via the handle @talktoraye, expressed frustration over the deteriorating economic conditions in Nigeria, lamenting how hard work seems futile in the face of the country’s financial struggles.
Rita who broke down in tears, shared her frustration over the high cost of goods in the market, further calling President Tinubu’s government a “terrible” one for paying little attention to the hike in commodity prices.
“We should start calling out the government. For example, Tinubu, you are a terrible person. What are you doing to help our economy?
“If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government,” she said in the video.
In another video, the female corps member alleged that Lagos National Youth Service (NYSC) management threatened her for the video she made condemning hardship in the country.
Reacting to the alleged threat, on his 𝕏 handle, Macaroni issued a stern warning to NYSC management against intimidating the female corps member.
He wrote: “To the DG, Coordinators and every official of the NYSC!!! You cannot threaten, intimidate or victimize any corper for expressing their view on the performance of the president. They are citizens with rights! The president is in office to serve the people and every Nigerian, Corper or not has the right to hold their Leaders accountable!!!”
On his party, the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Sowore said the corps member stated a fact, not an insult. He added that NYSC was no longer serving its purpose.
“Saying that Bola Tinubu is a terrible person/’president’ is not an insult; it is a statement of fact. NYSC has outlived its usefulness, if it was ever helpful at all, considering its deceptive origin and outright corrupt nature,” he wrote on his 𝕏.
Atiku, on the other hand, praised Raye’s courage, describing her as a symbol of a new generation of politically engaged women committed to advocacy and democratic participation.
“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,” Atiku wrote.
According to the former presidential candidate, Raye like historic female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, is playing pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The Nigerian leader further admonished the public to support Raye, rather than being hostile towards her.
“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,” Atiku said.