Gladness Gideon
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed claims that it extended the service year of a Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, over her public criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Uguamaye recently gained widespread attention after a viral TikTok video in which she decried Nigeria’s worsening economic situation and described President Tinubu as a “terrible leader.” She also referred to Lagos as a “smelling state” and lamented its poor living conditions.
Following her video, Uguamaye alleged that she was being pressured by NYSC officials to take down the post, claiming she received threats for speaking out. However, the NYSC has neither confirmed nor denied those specific allegations.
The controversy intensified on Tuesday after a circulating news caption claimed that NYSC had “punitively extended” her service year by two months in response to her remarks. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the alleged action, promising to mobilise protesters to attend the NYSC passing out parade if Uguamaye is not allowed to complete her service as scheduled.
“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter,” Sowore stated in a post on social media, describing the alleged development as unacceptable.
READ ALSO: NYSC Extends Service Year of Corps Member Over Viral Criticism of Tinubu Administration
In response, the NYSC’s Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, clarified that any decision regarding a corps member’s service extension can only be made during the official passing out process and must follow established procedures.
“Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? So how come you are listening to him?” Embu queried. “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 filing this report, Uguamaye has not posted any confirmation of an extension on her social media platforms, and the claim remains unverified.
The situation continues to stir debate on the limits of free expression, especially for public servants and corps members in Nigeria, amid growing public dissatisfaction with economic conditions.