In a nation grappling with economic hardship and political discontent, the story of Rita Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos State, has become a rallying cry for freedom of expression and accountability.
Her viral TikTok video, where she tearfully criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has sparked a nationwide conversation about the rights of citizens to speak truth to power and the consequences of doing so in a country where dissent is often met with intimidation.
A Viral Cry for Help
Rita’s video, posted under the handle @talktoraye, was raw and emotional. She lamented the skyrocketing cost of living, the inadequacy of her NYSC allowance, and the government’s apparent indifference to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. “If more Nigerians start speaking out about what we are going through, maybe the government will take action,” she said, her voice breaking. “I don’t know if there has ever been a President worse than you, but you are such a terrible leader.”
Her words resonated deeply with millions of Nigerians facing similar hardships. From the rising cost of eggs to the unbearable stench in Lagos streets, Rita’s grievances mirrored the frustrations of a nation in economic turmoil. But her courage to speak out came at a cost.
The Summons and the Absent Official
Days after her video went viral, Rita received a summons from the NYSC Local Government Inspector (LGI) in Eti-Osa, Lagos. She was directed to report to the LGI office by 10 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2025. The summons, raised concerns about potential punitive action against her for criticizing the government.
However, when Rita arrived at the LGI office accompanied by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and her legal team, the official who issued the summons was conspicuously absent. Sowore, who documented the incident on his X (formerly Twitter) account, vowed to return, declaring, “We will be back! #RevolutionNow #tinubuisaterriblepresident.”
A Personal Tragedy Behind the Outcry
Rita’s story is not just about a young woman speaking out against economic hardship; it is also a tale of personal loss and systemic injustice. Journalist and human rights activist Agba Jalingo revealed that Rita’s father, Raphael A. Ushie, a Chief Inspector with the Nigeria Immigration Service, died in 2019 after participating in a protest against the demolition of his palm plantation for the Obudu International Airport project.
According to Jalingo, Rita’s father had invested his life savings into the plantation, only to see it destroyed without compensation. He collapsed during the protest and later died in a hospital in Calabar. Rita, then just 19 years old, was left to grapple with the loss of her father and the financial burden it placed on her family.
“If you were in her position, living in a country where the system unjustly took your father when you were just 19, leaving your mother to struggle, and when you finally express your frustration, the same system that killed your father threatens you too—where is the freedom of expression?” Jalingo asked.
A Call for Solidarity
Rita’s case has drawn widespread support from activists, journalists, and political figures. Former NUJ President Lanre Ogundipe condemned the NYSC’s summons, emphasizing that freedom of speech is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights instruments. “The voice of the young lady must not be stifled or restricted by the government and its agents,” he declared.
Read Also: NYSC under fire as Corps Member alleges threats over viral video criticizing Tinubu’s Government
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also weighed in, praising Rita’s courage and calling for her protection. Atiku described her as “a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth,”
“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 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.”
For Peter Obi, Raye’s experience “highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement”.
The former Anambra State governor said the NYSC member’s experience is also “not isolated”.
“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.
He called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to “reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.
“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.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
Rita’s story highlights the broader challenges facing Nigeria: a shrinking space for dissent, a struggling economy, and a government often perceived as indifferent to the plight of its citizens. Her viral video and the subsequent backlash underscore the risks faced by those who dare to speak truth to power.
Yet, her courage has also inspired hope. Rita’s willingness to voice her frustrations has galvanized a new generation of Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders. As Sowore and others continue to stand by her side, Rita’s story serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and freedom of expression is far from over.
In a country where speaking truth can become a crime, Rita Ushie Uguamaye has emerged as a symbol of resilience and defiance. Her story is a call to action for all Nigerians to stand firm, support one another, and continue advocating for a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct and leadership is accountable to the people.
As Rita herself said, “If more Nigerians start speaking out about what we are going through, maybe the government will take action.” Her voice, and the voices of millions like her, may yet be the catalyst for change that Nigeria so desperately needs.
