Raye apologises to Lagos residents for “smelling” comment, silent on criticising Tinubu’s incompetence
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“As a visitor here, I could tell there was a difference in the atmosphere and quality of air here. If the way that I put it triggered your emotions and the love for your birth state, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to talk down on your birth state” – Raye
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Rita Uguamaye, known on social media as Raye, has apologised to Lagos residents for describing their megacity as “smelling” as part of her rant against Bola Tinubu for mismanaging the economy, the cause of the lingering general hardship.
Raye is a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Nigeria’s most popular state and her apology on Instagram suggests she is a rookie in town.
She described Tinubu as a “terrible President” in her original TikTok post, and many commenters and rights activists have expressed support for her and defended her right to speak truth to power.
Her apology on Instagram did not include for comments about Tinubu, over which she had claimed some overzealous NYSC Lagos officials threatened and invited her for questioning.
However, the officials absconded from their desks when she visited the office on Monday, accompanied by right activists, including Omoyele Sowore.
Raye acknowledged in her Instagram post that her words may have offended Lagos residents and clarified that she never intended to insult them.
“I want to first of all state that I am sorry to the people who were born and raised in Lagos State if you feel offended by what I said. I am sorry,” she wrote.
She explained that her comments were part of a 30-day rant challenge to highlight Nigeria’s economic struggles.
“But as a visitor here, I could tell there was a difference in the atmosphere and quality of air here. If the way that I put it triggered your emotions and the love for your birth state, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to talk down on your birth state.”
Raye said she initially planned to post 20 videos addressing societal concerns, hoping to spark discussions by the 20th day.
However, her first video gained traction almost immediately, resonating with many Nigerians who shared her frustrations.
She also lamented the financial struggles young Nigerians face, emphasising that despite working over 45 hours a week, she and many others still struggle to afford basic activities.
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