Atiku, Obi Throw Weight Behind Corps Member Who Criticized FG’s Policies

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi have expressed support for Ushie Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member also known as Raye, who criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living in Nigeria.

Raye, a Lagos-based corps member, had posted a viral video exprssing frustration over the country’s economic woes, calling president Tinubu a “terrible leader” and questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate citizens’ suffering.She claimed to have received threatening messages from National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officials after her video gained traction

Atiku 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 wisdo, her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,” he wrote on X.

“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”, Atiku wrote.

Peter Obi also backed Raye, stating that her experience “highlights a troubling trend in our nation, one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement”.

Obi shared his own experience of facing threats for offering constructive criticism, saying, “I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments. I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt,” Obi wrote on his X handle.

Obi urged President Tinubu’s government to “reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress”.

He encouraged Nigerians to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation, saying, “To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation,” the LP presidential candidate for the 2023 election said.

“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

“A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.”