…Sowore, others leads Raye, claim LGI evaded meeting
By Sodiq Adelakun
Nigerians have reacted with outrage andconfusion following the sudden disappearance of a Local Government Inspector (LGI) who had summoned Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Uguamaye to the NYSC office in Eti-Osa, Lagos.
The incident follows the circulation of a viral TikTok video posted by the corps member, widely known as Raye, which has sparked intense discussion across social media platforms.
Raye’s video, in which she criticised Nigeria’s struggling economy and President Bola Tinubu’s administration, led to her being invited for a meeting with the LGI at the NYSC office on Monday.
To ensure transparency and legal support, Raye attended the meeting accompanied by renowned human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and a legal team comprising Festus Ogun, Adeyinka Oyesomi, and Ojienoh Justice.
Sowore, in a post on his verified Facebook page, announced that he was accompanying Raye to the NYSC office as planned.
“The journey with National Youth Service Corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye has commenced in Lagos. She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today, and we are escorting her to their offices. We are en route with her legal representatives,” Sowore wrote in an initial update.
However, upon their arrival at the Eti-Osa NYSC office, they encountered an unexpected development. Sowore later updated his post, revealing that the LGI, who was supposed to meet with Raye, was nowhere to be found and failed to attend the meeting entirely.
The activist affirmed that they would return at a later time to attempt to meet with the official.
“We arrived at the Eti-Osa LGI office with corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye. She was scheduled to appear before the LGI today, and we accompanied her with legal counsel, Festus Ogun, Adeyinka Oyesomi, and Ojienoh Justice. However, the LGI official had absconded and was absent throughout our visit. We will be back!” Sowore declared, adding the hashtags #RevolutionNow and #tinubuisaterriblepresident.
The dispute surrounding Raye began earlier in the week after she shared a TikTok video in which she openly criticised Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, attributing them to the government’s poor management of inflation.
In the video, she also branded President Tinubu a “terrible leader” and questioned the administration’s efforts in alleviating citizens’ hardships. Her remarks about the deteriorating state of Lagos and the country’s financial struggles quickly gained traction, drawing both support and criticism.
Following the widespread circulation of the video, Raye claimed she began receiving threats from individuals allegedly linked to the NYSC, urging her to take down the content.
Taking to Instagram, she voiced her frustration, accusing authorities of attempting to suppress her freedom of expression. She insisted that her statements reflected the reality faced by millions of Nigerians.
“I will not be silenced. What I said is the truth. This government has failed us,” Raye posted.
The NYSC has yet to issue an official response regarding the situation, and it remains unclear why the LGI failed to attend the meeting with the corps member.
The incident has ignited widespread discussions on social media, particularly on X.com (formerly Twitter), where Nigerians are demanding accountability and transparency from the NYSC. Many have criticised the ongoing pressure on young citizens to conform to institutional expectations while enduring economic hardships.
Abdullah Ibrahim commended Sowore’s involvement, writing, “With individuals like Sowore standing firm, change is inevitable. May God continue to protect you for the good of all Nigerians.”
Tobi Akinbo urged Nigerians to resist intimidation, stating, “This is why we must never fear these oppressors. Stand firm at all times. Speak out against any form of intimidation, no matter the source. They are terrified of our collective resistance.”
Meanwhile, Fakayode Habeeb expressed concerns about potential repercussions for Raye, questioning, “I hope they won’t withhold her allowances or extend her service year as punishment.”
Adekunle Olarinde called for disciplinary action against the absent NYSC officials, asserting, “The officials who abandoned their duty should face consequences. If they claim to uphold the law, they should be held accountable for neglecting their responsibilities.”
Lante the Oracle voiced optimism about resisting injustices, remarking, “That’s if they’ve even read the bye-laws! We are reclaiming our country step by step. ‘Just because it doesn’t affect you doesn’t mean you should ignore injustice.’ I refuse to remain silent. This is our nation, and we must take it back.”
Oluwafemi offered a humorous take on the situation, stating, “They thought they could intimidate her, not knowing she’d bring Thanos along with her!”—a reference to Sowore’s involvement.
Alaye NG criticised the NYSC officials, accusing them of cowardice. “Now they are running because the spotlight is on them! Those issuing threats against her must be identified and explain whose orders they are following. No more oppression!”
Sammy UgoNabo highlighted the hypocrisy of those in power, stating, “Oppressors are usually cowards. Without state-backed institutions like the police, DSS, or army, they are powerless.”
Dapsie expressed disdain for the NYSC’s handling of the issue, remarking, “Shame on those @officialnyscng officials! They are nothing but half-educated individuals who cannot distinguish between loyalty to a person and loyalty to the nation.”