The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied allegations that it extended the service year of a Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye — popularly known as Raye — as punishment for criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the economic situation in Nigeria.
According to a report by PUNCH Metro, Uguamaye went viral after posting a video on her TikTok account, @talktoraye, where she condemned the current state of the nation’s economy, high inflation, and what she described as “poor living conditions” in Lagos State.
In the video, she labelled President Tinubu a “terrible leader” and expressed deep frustration over the government’s inability to tackle the economic hardship facing many Nigerians.
Shortly after her viral video gained traction online, Uguamaye released another clip alleging that NYSC officials were pressuring her to take down the post, threatening consequences if she failed to comply.
While the NYSC did not respond directly to these accusations, the incident sparked widespread public reaction.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, condemned the alleged actions of the NYSC, citing a circulating headline that claimed Raye’s service year had been extended by two months.
He promised to lead a protest at the NYSC Passing Out Parade if the corps member was not allowed to complete her service without interference.
Source: Punch
“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter,” Sowore declared on social media, insisting that any punitive measure against her would be strongly resisted.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was also among public figures who voiced concern over the alleged threats against Uguamaye.
However, when contacted on Tuesday, the Acting Director of Press and Public Relations at NYSC, Carol Embu, denied any extension of Uguamaye’s service year, calling the rumours baseless.
“She is still serving; if she has any issues, we will wait and see,” Embu said. “The decision to extend any corps member’s service is made at the time of passing out, and it must follow established rules and regulations. NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation.”
She dismissed the idea that external pressure or political opinions could influence such administrative decisions, questioning the validity of Sowore’s claims. “Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? So, how come you are listening to him?” she asked.
As of press time, Uguamaye had not made any public posts confirming or denying the extension of her service year. The NYSC also reiterated that no such action had
