March 17, 2025
Nigerians Rally Behind NYSC Corper Raye as #TinubuIsaTerriblePresident Trends Amid Economic Woes
LAGOS, Nigeria — A viral TikTok video by Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member known as Raye, has reignited the #TinubuIsaTerriblePresident trend on X, spotlighting Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis and sparking a national debate on free speech.
As of March 17, 2025, the hashtag has become a rallying cry for citizens frustrated with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with Raye’s emotional critique amplifying long-simmering discontent over inflation, insecurity, and government suppression of dissent.
The Spark: Raye’s Viral Outcry
On March 15, 2025, Raye posted a tearful video on her TikTok account (@talktoraye), lamenting the economic hardship plaguing Nigerians. “I just came from a supermarket, and everything has gone up again. Every single week, prices increase. What is the government doing about this?” she said, visibly distraught. She highlighted the drastic rise in living costs, noting, “A crate of eggs now costing N6,500, compared to N800 in previous years.” Raye didn’t hold back, directly calling Tinubu “a terrible president” and questioning his administration’s efforts to alleviate citizens’ suffering.
@talktoraye I need us to come out and call the government in masses ‼️‼️‼️ I’m so tired and it’s driving me to depression 😪😪#nigeriantiktok🇳🇬 @scott_iguma #nigeriansindiaspora #nigeriannewsupdates ♬ original sound – talktoraye
The video quickly spread across social media, resonating with Nigerians grappling with similar struggles. However, within 24 hours, Raye alleged that NYSC officials began harassing her. In a follow-up post on Instagram, she wrote, “Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC Board to stop speaking on this issue. Less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government… They have my address. If you don’t see me online, you know who to hold accountable.” She claimed officials were using her personal details—submitted as part of NYSC registration—to intimidate her, including summoning her to the Eti Osa 3 local government office on March 17.
Public Reaction and the #TinubuIsaTerriblePresident Surge
Raye’s ordeal struck a chord, propelling the hashtag #TinubuIsaTerriblePresident back into X’s trending list. Users linked her experience to broader grievances: the removal of fuel subsidies, rampant inflation, and persistent security threats like banditry and kidnappings. One X user,@OneJoblessBoy, shared her video with the caption, “Raye is now being threatened by NYSC representatives for making this video criticizing the government. Listen to her…” The post garnered thousands of interactions, reflecting widespread solidarity.
Another user, @NaijaActivist, posted, “Tinubu’s govt can’t fix the economy but they’re quick to silence a corper for speaking truth. #TinubuIsaTerriblePresident,” encapsulating the anger over perceived government priorities. The hashtag, which first gained traction in late 2024 amid economic reforms, has now morphed into a broader protest against both policy failures and suppression of criticism.
Prominent Voices Weigh In
Raye’s situation drew support from high-profile figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to X on March 16, stating, “Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy… I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power.” He compared her to historical activists like Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, urging Nigerians to back her.
Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the alleged threats, posting on X, “It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes.” The organization accused the government of silencing dissent rather than tackling citizens’ grievances, adding, “Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime.”
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, echoed this sentiment, saying, “A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.” He criticized the intimidation as “unacceptable” and “undemocratic.”
Economic Context and Government Silence
Raye’s critique comes amid Nigeria’s worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. Inflation hit 34.2% in February 2025, driven by the 2023 fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation. Basic goods like rice, petrol, and eggs have become unaffordable for many, while the NYSC allowance—about N33,000 monthly—fails to cover corps members’ expenses in cities like Lagos, which Raye also called a “smelling state” due to poor sanitation.
The Tinubu administration has yet to respond officially to Raye’s allegations or the hashtag’s resurgence. The NYSC has also remained silent, despite mounting pressure online under hashtags like #ProtectRaye. This lack of response has only fueled accusations of intolerance, with some X users suggesting the government is more focused on optics than solutions.
A National Debate on Free Speech
Raye’s defiance—she refused to delete her video, arguing it would leave her vulnerable—has sparked a broader conversation about free expression. “Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed away my right to complain,” she said in her Instagram post. Supporters argue her constitutional rights trump any NYSC code of conduct, while critics claim corps members, as temporary government employees, should refrain from public criticism.
The controversy underscores a growing divide: a youth population increasingly vocal about their struggles, and an administration perceived as unresponsive. As of March 17, 2025, the #TinubuIsaTerriblePresident trend shows no signs of slowing, with Raye’s story galvanizing a movement that could shape Nigeria’s political discourse in the months ahead. Whether her summons today yields punishment or dialogue remains to be seen—but for now, she’s become a symbol of resistance in a nation on edge.
