The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied allegations that it extended the service year of Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye—popularly known as Raye—as punishment for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Pristine Newspaper had reported that Uguamaye became an online sensation after she publicly voiced her frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions in a viral video posted on her TikTok handle, @talktoraye.
In the video, Uguamaye described the state of the nation as dire, citing high inflation and deepening hardship. She further criticised President Tinubu, labelling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s commitment to improving citizens’ lives. She also described Lagos State as a “smelling state” with poor living conditions.
Following the video’s virality, Uguamaye posted another TikTok video claiming she was facing threats from NYSC officials, who allegedly pressured her to delete the original video. However, the NYSC did not publicly comment on that claim at the time.
In response to the controversy, prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the alleged threats against Uguamaye. On Tuesday, Sowore reacted to a circulating news headline that claimed the NYSC had “punitively extended” Raye’s service year by two months due to her criticism of the administration.
Sowore vowed to protest at the NYSC Passing Out Parade if the corps member was not allowed to complete her service without interference.
“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s NYSC matter,” Sowore wrote.
“We will mobilise to the Passing Out Parade if Rita is not allowed to complete her service without let or hindrance.”
When contacted for clarification, the NYSC’s Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, dismissed the claims.
“Who is Sowore? Does he work with NYSC? How can he determine what we do?” Embu queried.
“NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation. We operate by rules and regulations. If she is still serving, how can there be an extension already? If there’s any issue, it will be handled at the end of her service.”
Embu emphasized that decisions regarding service extensions are only made when a corps member is passing out and must be based on established guidelines.
As of press time, Uguamaye had not confirmed any service extension via her social media platforms.
