The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reacted to widespread reports alleging that it extended the service year of a Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye (popularly known as Raye), as punishment for publicly criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
Egalitarian Voice recalls that Raye became an internet sensation following a public criticism of Tinubu’s government, where she expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship and high inflation.
In her viral post, Uguamaye slammed President Tinubu, describing him as a “terrible leader” while questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians. She also took a swipe at Lagos State, calling it a “smelling state” and lamenting its poor living conditions.
After the video spread widely on social media, Raye released another clip on TikTok alleging that NYSC officials had threatened her to delete the post. However, she stood her ground, insisting she only spoke the truth about the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Following her claims, notable Nigerians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, and others, condemned the alleged intimidation and voiced support for her freedom of expression.
Months later, Sowore reignited the conversation in a post on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), sharing a news headline that read: “NYSC punitively extends Raye’s service year by 2 months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship.”
Reacting to the report, Sowore declared the development unacceptable, stating that he and others would mobilise to protest at the NYSC Passing Out Parade unless Raye was allowed to complete her national service without obstruction.
“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter. This is not acceptable. We will mobilise down to the Passing Out Parade except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance,” he wrote.
In response, the Acting NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, in an interview with Punch, dismissed the allegations and clarified that no extension had been enforced on Uguamaye.
“Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? So, how come you are listening to him?” Embu queried. “I don’t understand how she will get an extension if she is still serving. NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation; we work with rules and regulations. She is still serving; if she has any issues, we will wait and see.”
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At the time of this report, Uguamaye is yet to release any formal update regarding her NYSC status.
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