By: Thomas Abidoye
In a dramatic turn of events that has captured the attention of Nigerians online, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie ‘Raye’ Uguamaye, found herself at the center of a national controversy after publicly labeling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a “terrible president.”
The fallout from her viral TikTok video has sparked debates about freedom of speech, NYSC regulations, and the economic hardships facing Nigerians in 2025.
As the dust settles, many are left wondering: what happens next for this outspoken corps member?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the sequence of events and the potential consequences she may face.
The Viral Video That Started It All
On March 15, 2025, Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos State, posted a tearful video on her TikTok account (@talktoraye
), expressing her frustration over Nigeria’s escalating cost of living.
In the video, she highlighted the skyrocketing prices of goods, the inadequacy of her NYSC allowance to cover transportation costs, and the government’s perceived inaction.
Her boldest statement came when she directly addressed President Tinubu, saying, “I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president.”
The video quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and igniting a firestorm of reactions across social media platforms like X and Instagram.
This incident occurred against the backdrop of widespread economic challenges in Nigeria, with inflation and rising commodity prices dominating public discourse in 2025.
Raye’s emotional outburst resonated with many Nigerians, who saw her as a voice for the masses struggling to make ends meet.
Immediate Backlash and Alleged Threats From NYSC Officials
Within 24 hours of the video gaining traction, Raye posted a follow-up clip on March 16, alleging that she had received threatening phone calls from NYSC officials.
In the recording, an official was heard questioning her mental state, saying, “Are you normal?” before instructing her to “keep quiet and bring down the video you posted.”
She also shared screenshots on her Instagram (@iamraye__
) of messages purportedly from NYSC authorities, suggesting they were attempting to track her down.
Raye stood her ground, insisting that she had only exercised her right to free speech and had not made false accusations.
The alleged threats sparked outrage among some Nigerians, who accused the NYSC of bullying and infringing on her constitutional rights.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong quickly came to her defense, stating that criticizing the president is not an offense under the NYSC Act or its Bye-Laws.
He emphasized that her comments were an expression of frustration, not partisanship, and were protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Presidential Aide’s Controversial Response
The controversy escalated further on March 17 when Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, weighed in.
In a Facebook post, Ajayi suggested that Raye’s actions warranted “capital punishment under NYSC,” arguing that she had violated her oath and code of conduct as a corps member.
His statement was widely interpreted as a call for severe punishment, with some netizens even speculating it implied a death penalty, a notion he later clarified was a misunderstanding.
Ajayi backtracked, explaining that he meant the “highest punishment” under NYSC rules, which is expulsion, and accused critics of twisting his words for “patent mischief.”
Tinubu’s aide initial remarks drew sharp criticism from prominent figures, including former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and skit maker Mr. Macaroni, who warned NYSC against intimidating Raye.
Sowore, who later accompanied her to an NYSC summons, called her statement a “fact, not an insult,” while Macaroni urged officials to focus on addressing Nigeria’s economic woes rather than silencing dissent.
NYSC Summons and Public Support
On March 17, Raye shared a screenshot of an official NYSC summons requiring her to appear at the Eti-Osa Local Government Inspector’s office in Lagos on March 18 at 10:00 a.m.
The summons did not specify the reason, but it was widely linked to her viral video. That same day, Sowore announced he had met with Raye in Lagos and would escort her to the meeting alongside a team of lawyers, signaling robust support from activists and legal experts.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also intervened, urging President Tinubu to direct NYSC to cease harassing Raye, reinforcing that freedom of expression is a fundamental right.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised her “boldness and wisdom,” likening her to historical figures like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, while Oby Ezekwesili called her critique “admirably bold” and reflective of widespread Nigerian sentiment.
Raye’s Apology and the Lagos Comment
Amid the escalating tension, Raye posted an apology on Instagram on March 17, but it wasn’t for her remarks about Tinubu. Instead, she expressed regret for calling Lagos a “smelly” state, clarifying that she didn’t intend to offend residents but was sharing her observations as a visitor.
This partial apology did little to quell the debate over her initial video, as the focus remained on her criticism of the president and the NYSC’s response.
What Lies Ahead: Potential Consequences
As of March 19, 2025, Raye’s fate remains uncertain, but several outcomes are possible based on NYSC regulations and the unfolding public pressure:
Service Extension: According to the NYSC Bye-Laws (Revised 2011), being “rude to constituted authority” can lead to a 30-day extension of service with half pay. Her comments could be interpreted as such, though legal experts argue this wouldn’t hold up under constitutional scrutiny.
Expulsion: Ajayi’s clarified stance suggests expulsion as the maximum penalty under NYSC rules. This would end her service year prematurely, potentially affecting her job prospects in corporate Nigeria, where an NYSC certificate is often a prerequisite.
No Action: With significant public and legal backing, NYSC might opt to avoid further escalation, especially if the case draws international attention or legal challenges. The absence of the Local Government Inspector during her March 18 summons, as reported by some sources, hints at possible hesitation from NYSC officials.
Broader Implications: Raye’s case could set a precedent for how NYSC and the government handle dissent from corps members, potentially sparking reforms or stricter enforcement of social media conduct rules.
Public Sentiment and Economic Context
The incident has amplified discussions about Nigeria’s economic hardship in 2025, with many Nigerians echoing Raye’s frustrations over inflation, inadequate wages, and government policies.
Her video has become a rallying point for those demanding accountability, while critics like Reno Omokri argue she should have focused on her NYSC duties rather than “seeking attention.”
As the story unfolds, Raye’s next steps, whether legal battles, disciplinary hearings, or a return to obscurity, will depend on the balance between her constitutional rights and NYSC’s authority.
For now, she remains a symbol of youth discontent in a nation grappling with economic turmoil, leaving Nigerians to ponder: what’s next for the corps member who dared to call Tinubu a “terrible president”?
Thomas Abidoye
Writes from Osun State, Nigeria
abidoyethomasibukun@gmail.com
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