In the wake of growing concerns over government response to critics, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have thrown their support behind Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who recently found herself under fire for speaking out against the current administration. Uguamaye, also known as Raye, has been accused of facing threats and intimidation after sharing her concerns about the challenges Nigerians are facing under the current government’s economic policies.
Uguamaye’s bold move to voice her frustration with the state of the nation has sparked a wider debate on the rights of Nigerian citizens to freely express their views, especially when it comes to critiquing government actions. The case also brings to the forefront an alarming trend where dissenting voices are allegedly being stifled by both government officials and agencies.
Uguamaye’s video, posted on TikTok, went viral after she criticized the economic hardship Nigerians are experiencing under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In the video, she raised concerns about the high cost of living, unemployment, and the negative impacts of the government’s economic reforms on everyday Nigerians.
However, the NYSC member’s public comments did not sit well with the authorities. Reports indicate that shortly after the video went viral, Uguamaye allegedly received threats from NYSC officials, who pressured her to delete the video. The situation quickly attracted widespread attention, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the increasing trend of silencing critics rather than addressing their concerns.
Despite the controversy, Uguamaye’s stance has found strong support from high-profile figures in the country, most notably former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, both of whom have called attention to the broader issue of freedom of speech and the government’s response to constructive criticism.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, took to social media to express his solidarity with Uguamaye. He described her situation as part of a troubling pattern where Nigerians face intimidation for speaking out against the government. Obi lamented that such actions undermine the democratic ideals of freedom of speech and public engagement.
“I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments,” Obi said in his statement. “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.”
The former governor of Anambra State emphasized that constructive criticism is a critical part of any functioning democracy. According to Obi, any government that stifles dissent is failing its people by not allowing for transparent dialogue, which is vital for progress.
“We must understand that a government that cannot tolerate criticism cannot serve its people effectively,” Obi continued. “I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.”
Atiku Abubakar, who was a strong contender in the 2023 presidential elections, also voiced his support for Uguamaye and others who speak out against the government’s policies. Abubakar, like Obi, highlighted the dangers of a system where citizens are intimidated for expressing their opinions.
“We must protect our citizens’ right to free speech,” Abubakar said in a statement. “Whether they are in government service or not, Nigerians should be able to voice their concerns without the fear of retribution. Raye’s situation is just one example of how the government has failed to engage with its citizens respectfully.”
Abubakar’s remarks highlighted the need for Nigeria to return to the principles of democracy, where the right to express differing views is not only protected but celebrated as a mechanism for national growth.
Uguamaye’s case is just one of many that have surfaced in recent months, highlighting the government’s response to public criticism. The increasing trend of punitive actions against critics, especially young Nigerians using social media platforms to express their views, has become a source of concern for human rights organizations.
Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned the government’s response to public dissent, calling on the Nigerian authorities to halt the intimidation of individuals who criticize the administration. Amnesty’s statement called for an end to the practice of targeting those who exercise their right to free speech, emphasizing that “holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime.”
In the face of such criticism, the Nigerian government has yet to make a clear statement on the matter, leaving citizens and observers wondering if this will mark a shift in the government’s stance on freedom of expression.
Peter Obi, in his message of solidarity with Uguamaye, also appealed to Nigerians to continue speaking out against what he described as misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation. He called for courage among Nigerians, urging them to stand firm in their belief that the country could be better.
“Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation,” Obi said. “Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for a Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people.”
Obi’s message was clear: a just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where citizens like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face. He stressed that instead of silencing critics, the government should take urgent action to address the issues raised, particularly in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
In his final remarks, Obi called for a Nigeria where citizens could express their concerns without fear of retribution. He envisioned a country where the government listens to the people and works to create solutions for the challenges that everyday Nigerians face. This vision, according to Obi, was a key pillar in building a stronger, more united Nigeria.
“A New Nigeria is Possible!” Obi concluded, echoing his long-standing commitment to transforming Nigeria into a nation where the voices of the people matter and where the government is accountable to its citizens.
