The controversy surrounding National Youth Service Corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, has sparked reactions from prominent Nigerian figures. Raye faced threats from NYSC officials after she criticised the government, igniting discussions on free speech and citizens’ rights in a democracy.

Her posts and how her supervisors subsequently handled the situation have sparked nationwide outrage, with many weighing in on the oppression of human rights. National leaders and prominent figures have also spoken up in the wake of the issue.

🚨BREAKING NEWS

Raye is now being threatened by NYSC representatives for making this video criticizing the government.

Listen to her… pic.twitter.com/H85beBsqKD

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— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 15, 2025

Peter Obi

The former presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the intimidation of Raye, shaming how she was met with intimidation rather than dialogue.

Taking to X, he wrote in part, “The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.”

Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration. This pattern is 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.

The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.

Reports indicate that she has…

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 16, 2025

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ALSO READ: Sowore storms NYSC office with embattled corper who criticised Tinubu

Atiku Abubakar

Atiku praised Raye’s courage, likening her to historic female activists such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo.

Nigerian 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.

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. -AA

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 Abubakar (@atiku) March 16, 2025

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Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour

The Labour Party chieftain described the situation as an attack on democracy and the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

Raye is all of us, and any attempt to oppress and silence her is a direct assault on citizens liberty. We run a constitutional democracy and not a monarchy where the people are subjects to a king. Hence, citizens have a moral and constitutional right to dissenting views and opinions. Our youths are in pain, suffering great deprivation because a corrupt and incompetent political class has stolen their future. But it doesn’t end with them inflicting pain and hardship, they still want to determine how you react to their oppression.

Raye is all of us, and any attempt to oppress and silence her is a direct assault on citizens liberty.

We run a constitutional democracy and not a monarchy where the people are subjects to a king. Hence, citizens have a moral and constitutional right to dissenting views and… https://t.co/BzS1xzrNnu

— Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (@GRVlagos) March 16, 2025

Omoyele Sowore

Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confirmed that legal steps were being taken to support Raye.

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. @mrfestusogun, @yinka_oyesomi and @justiceojienoh pic.twitter.com/DtYwRVMcxz

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) March 17, 2025

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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.

Ben Murray Bruce

In contrast, former senator Ben Murray-Bruce had a different perspective, calling for an end to online criticisms of the government.

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Those of you on social media, stop criticising Nigeria, stop criticising leaders. We need a break, okay? Stop criticizing us, give us a break. Stop criticising our leaders.

Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has responded to comments made by Apostle Lazarus, who criticised gospel artists for charging fees to perform at church events.

The pastor suggested that ministry should not be commercialised highlighting a time a singer charged 5 million to come and sing for his congregation. His statement sparked debate and reactions within the gospel and gospel music community.

I really wish every music minister in Nigeria & beyond could sit down & take time to listen to this

This is a most profound & timely message to them.

Thank you @FemiLazarus_ for this sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/IPPsu1MWoH

— DON “Tobechukwu” Ade 👑 (@Row_Haastrup) March 14, 2025

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In a detailed post, Dakolo defended gospel musicians, highlighting the financial investment required to sustain their craft. He urged Christians to recognise that, beyond its spiritual significance, music is also a profession that demands compensation.

My dear Christains, a quote/comversation can sound intelligent and deep yet untrue. Just like everyone else. You deserve the very best things life has to offer. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio session, production and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, you have rent to pay.

You have more songs to put out. We should stop all these attack on people’s work. As much as it is spiritual, music is an art. If you can’t pay people, Use your choir members and pay the amount you could have given the guest artist. I doubt the second part.

The singer also pointed out that churches spend substantial amounts on architecture, event promotions, and pastoral engagements, questioning why musicians are often expected to offer their services for free.

This gaslighting has to stop, Gospel ministers want good things too, they are not beggars, the best of architects are called upon to build big church, large sum money disbursed for promoting big programs and all. No one should diminish another persons ministry, Ministry needs music and music needs ministry.

It takes at least 10years and chains of hours to be an elite musician. Develop your Musicians and singers in your church and pay them well. Leave all these belittling alone None of these people saying these will fly economy and travel alone to save money for the ministry that invites to preach. All this was said in love.

After becoming the first Nigerian to cover Rolling Stone’s Future of Music magazine, Rema took to the stage in Autinus to thrill the audience with his hit songs.

The singer dazzled the crowd with a performance of his smash hit singles including ‘Dumebi,’ ‘Woman,’ and ‘Calm Down’.

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A post shared by Notjustok.com (@notjustok)

2025 has been a busy one for the Nigerian hitmaker whose single ‘Baby (Is It A Crime)’ is so far the most streamed Nigerian song of 2025 on Spotify.

Rema is also expected to hit the road later in the year as he will be embarking on the ‘HEIS’ tour where he will headline several notable venues across North America and Europe including a return to the iconic O2 Arena which he previously sold out in 2024.