By Samuel Adeola
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has debunked reports claiming it extended the service year of a Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, as a form of punishment for criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Raye gained widespread attention on social media following a viral TikTok video in which she lamented Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, describing President Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and Lagos State as a “smelling state” with deplorable living conditions.
Shortly after the backlash, she posted another video alleging that NYSC officials were pressuring her to delete the original video.
She maintained her stance, asserting that she merely spoke the truth and had no intention of retracting her comments.
The incident sparked public outcry, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemning the alleged intimidation.
Sowore further alleged that the NYSC had extended Raye’s service year by two months, warning that he would stage a protest during the corps’ passing-out parade if she was not allowed to complete her service as scheduled.
“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s NYSC matter,” Sowore wrote. “We will mobilise down to the Passing Out Parade unless Rita is allowed to complete her service without interference.”
In response, the NYSC acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Carol Embu, dismissed the reports as false and misleading.
She clarified that NYSC only considers the extension of service for corps members during their passing-out process, and solely based on violations of the scheme’s rules, not political affiliations or personal expressions.
“Who is Sowore? Does he work with NYSC?” Embu asked. “NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation. We operate under clear regulations and due process.”
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official communication from Raye confirming that her service year has been extended.
Meanwhile, the situation continues to generate debate over the right to free expression and the neutrality of national institutions.
