NYSC DENIES EXTENDING SERVICE YEAR OF CORPS MEMBER WHO CRITICISED TINUBU’S ADMINISTRATION
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has refuted claims that it extended the service year of a Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known online as Raye, as punishment for her public criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Raye, who gained attention on social media for her outspoken TikTok videos, had described the country’s worsening economic conditions under President Tinubu as “terrible,” labelling the president a “terrible leader” and lamenting what she called the “smelling state” of Lagos. The videos quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of reactions online.
In a follow-up video, the corps member alleged that she was being pressured by NYSC officials to take down her posts, claiming she was being threatened for speaking the truth. However, the NYSC has remained silent on the alleged threats.
The controversy deepened after a report circulated online claiming that her service year had been punitively extended by two months. The claim attracted criticism from prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and activist Omoyele Sowore. The latter vowed to protest at the NYSC passing out parade if Raye’s alleged extension was not reversed.
Sowore, reacting to the report, posted: “This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter. We will mobilise down to the Passing Out Parade except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance.”
Responding to the allegation, the NYSC Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, denied any such punitive measure, stating that the service has clear procedures that must be followed before any extension is imposed.
“Who is Sowore? Does he work with NYSC? I don’t understand how she will get an extension if she is still serving,” Embu said during a phone interview with PUNCH Metro. “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.”
As of the time of this report, Uguamaye has not publicly confirmed any extension of her service year on her social media platforms. Her original posts remain active, and no official action against her has been verified.
