TikToker Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Talktoraye on TikTok, went viral on social media after posting a video lamenting the constant rise in the prices of basic necessities.
In the video, Uguamaye—a Lagos State corps member—spoke about the increasing cost of eggs and other household food items. She also commented on the unpleasant smell in Lagos. She went on to criticize the government, calling President Bola Tinubu “terrible” and urging Nigerians to speak out against inflation.
“I just want to say to our president, I don’t know if there is any other president that has been this terrible, but you are such a terrible president. It is so hard,” she said in the video.
“So, I’m coming from the supermarket where I went to get things, and prices have gone up again. Every single week, prices increase, and I want to know what the government is doing about this increment. Is there going to be a particular time when prices will stop going up? Why am I going to buy a crate of eggs, and they are telling me 6,500? It doesn’t make any sense that eggs cost this much …”
“… Lagos stinks; it smells like sh*t. You can’t even take a walk when you are depressed because Lagos smells …”
Since the video’s release, many Nigerians have voiced their own complaints, with many attesting to the country’s current economic hardships.
X user @zayxyaz commented: “This is an example of the experience of an average Nigerian now! Everything is expensive, and everyone is acting like what’s going on is perfectly okay!”
@OAkintimoye wrote: “It’s funny how the ₦33k that was supposed to be increased to what? ₦77k? Still hasn’t been implemented. And you say she shouldn’t call out the government? I remember the strike at Alausa and how it affected us. Abeg, Nigeria and its government aren’t doing okay. Let’s call a spade a spade.”
While many agreed with her, some argued that Uguamaye might be living beyond her means and that her remarks about the president were disrespectful.
@babadeen_qs commented: “Spending ₦20k on data in just a week? Whatever income she’s generating from that should be enough for her upkeep. I get that the price of basic goods is high, but she shouldn’t have addressed her country’s president in that manner. So rude!”
@adepoju_p remarked: “As a corps member, you dey chop egg??? Even people earning above ₦150k are complaining. Madam, live within your means. It’s that simple.”
A day after posting the video, Uguamaye released another video revealing that she had been receiving threats from the NYSC board. She attached a phone call recording of an alleged NYSC official insulting her and demanding that she take down the video. She also expressed fear for her safety, stating that officials already have her personal information and could act against her.
In another post, she disclosed that she had been receiving threats from different phone numbers, writing: “Leave me alone, bruh. They keep calling me, and I’ve switched off my phones. Now they’re texting me my personal details on WhatsApp to let me know they have my information.
Dear NYSC, if you believe a corps member has done something wrong, you shouldn’t resort to intimidation and fear tactics! You are scaring me for my life. Please, leave me alone. You told me to report to the office on Monday. Okay! What else? Why are you still looking for me?
I simply exercised my right to ‘Freedom of Speech,’ which is the right of every citizen—unless being an NYSC corps member means I’m no longer a citizen.”
Some social commentators have n criticized her for not abiding by the NYSC rules. The by-laws establishing the Corps state that corps membersshould not make critical comments against federal government policies.. However, some argue this is in contrast with the protection she enjoys from the Constitutionwhich supports her right freedom of experession. While freedom of speech is a human right, slander against a person’s or organization’s reputation is considered an offense. However, in this case, it might not be against the law, as most of her points reflect reality.
The corps member revealed she had been summoned before the LGI’s office in Eti-Osa. In a show of suppot, she was accompanied by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, but the NYSC officials failed to make an appearance.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced his support for the TikToker on X. He commented:
“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”
Ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi also publicly declared in an X post that he is firmly behind Uguamaye and believes she should not be silenced for criticizing a government that is inflicting hardship on its citizens.
“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.” He said in his post. “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.
“I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.”
Despite the backlash and threats she faces, Uguamaye’s words are a harsh reality many Nigerians face. The country is experiencing one of its worst crises of living, with inflation rates soaring. According to Nairametrics, food prices have increased by 97% in one year. Month-on-month, food prices also climbed from ₦2,758.60 in October 2024, representing a 3.75% increase in just one month.
The economic hardship and government failures have led citizens to resort to desperate measures to sustain their lifestyles.
As the discussion takes centre stage on the social media, questions abound: Was she right to call out the government? Do employees and members of government bodies forfeit their freedom of speech when employed? Should Nigerians cower in fear and suffer in silence?
While some believe Uguamaye crossed the line and should be punished, many argue that she was rightfully exercising her freedom of speech–and expressing the very reality most Nigerians are faced with.
While the NYSC and other relevant government officials are yet to comment officially on this developing story, many Nigerians share Ushie’s frustration over rising costs and poor socio-economic conditions.
With hopes pinned on the dropping prices of fuel, food items, and other commodities, citizens remain cautiously optimistic about the future.
