Ezekwesili praised Uguamaye for her courage in publicly criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Former Minister and human rights activist, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie "Raye" Uguamaye's bold stance against the Nigerian government, calling her actions a significant lesson in democratic participation for Nigerians.

Ezekwesili praised Uguamaye for her courage in publicly criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The NYSC member, serving in Lagos, had expressed her dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the economy, specifically its impact on citizens' livelihoods.

In a viral TikTok video under the handle @talktoraye, she had tearfully shared her struggles with Nigeria's escalating cost of living, describing President Tinubu as a “terrible” president. 

Her sentiments were driven by skyrocketing prices for essential goods, which left her financially strained despite her service as a youth corps member.

In her post, Ezekwesili highlighted the significance of Raye's message, noting the evidence-based approach she took in her criticism of the administration.

“The bold Youth Corp member of @officialnyscng - Raye was evidenced-based in determining a score of Terrible that she awarded to @officialABAT on behalf of all sensible Nigerians who are managing severe hardship in the country," she wrote. Ezekwesili also admired the way Raye addressed President Tinubu, calling her feedback “remarkably bold.”

The former minister emphasised the importance of citizens, particularly young people, in holding public officials accountable.

“To demand accountability from public leaders is both a Constitutional right and duty of every citizen,” she remarked. Ezekwesili concluded by saying, “Raye has just taught all Citizens of Nigeria, ‘Democracy 101’. We all better learn.”

The video in question showed Raye lamenting the financial burden she faces as a corps member, mentioning that the monthly NYSC allowance was insufficient to cover even basic living expenses.

She recounted her frustrations over the rising costs of groceries and bills, including the price of a crate of eggs that had surged to N6,500 from a previous cost of N800. Her viral post quickly gained traction, sparking conversations about the dire economic situation in Nigeria.

Raye’s bold statement was met with backlash from the NYSC, which reportedly contacted her, instructing her to take down the video.

The bold Youth Corp member of @officialnyscng - Raye was evidenced-based in determining a score of Terrible that she awarded to @officialABAT on behalf of all sensible Nigerians who are managing severe hardship in the country.

It is remarkable that she articulated her feedback…

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) March 18, 2025