Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has extended his full support to Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member facing intense backlash after posting a viral video that criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Sowore confirmed that he had met with Uguamaye in Lagos and would be accompanying her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s (LGI) office, supported by a team of legal experts. “The journey with youth corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos.
She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today, and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys,” Sowore stated in the post, signaling his active involvement in the unfolding situation.
Raye, a corps member based in Lagos, gained national attention after posting a video on TikTok where she openly criticized the country’s worsening economic conditions and the leadership of President Tinubu.
Her remarks, which included a scathing assessment of the government’s handling of the nation’s economy, quickly went viral.
In response, Uguamaye claimed that she received threats related to her comments, igniting a broader conversation about free speech, political dissent, and the rights of young Nigerians to engage in political discourse.
Following the viral video, Uguamaye shared a screenshot of an official summons from the NYSC, requesting her appearance at the LGI office in Eti Osa 3 at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. The summons was seen by many as an attempt to confront the young corps member for her outspoken views.
Sowore’s public intervention has brought additional attention to Uguamaye’s case, highlighting concerns over potential repercussions she may face from the NYSC or other governmental authorities.
Sowore, known for his staunch advocacy of human rights and free expression, has been vocal about defending individuals who speak out against government policies. His involvement has added a layer of political dimension to the case, with many now watching to see how the authorities will handle the situation.
As of now, the NYSC has yet to issue an official statement regarding Uguamaye’s case, leaving the public to speculate about the possible consequences she could face.
The case has sparked widespread debate across the country, with supporters rallying behind Uguamaye, praising her courage to speak truth to power, while critics argue that her defiance could have serious ramifications for her career as a corps member.
