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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied reports that it extended the service year of Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, as a punitive measure for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Rita previously went viral after posting a video in which she condemned the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria under the current administration. She also sparked widespread debate after describing Lagos State as “smelling” with “poor living conditions.”
Following the backlash from her viral video, Rita claimed in a subsequent TikTok post that she was being threatened by NYSC authorities.
On Tuesday, June 24, new online reports alleged that Rita’s service year had been extended by two months as punishment for her criticisms. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore amplified the claim, posting on social media that “NYSC punitively extends Raye’s service year by 2 months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship.”
Sowore further vowed to protest at the NYSC passing out parade, writing:
“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter.
This is not acceptable. We will mobilise down to the Passing Out Parade except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance.”
However, NYSC has firmly denied the reports. Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, stated that no such extension had been issued.
Speaking to Punch, Embu clarified that the extension of a corps member’s service is only determined at the point of passing out, and Rita is not yet due for passing out.
“There are laid down guidelines for any extension of service,” Embu said. “Who is Sowore? Does he work with NYSC? So, how come you are listening to him? I don’t understand how she will get an extension if she is still serving.”
She emphasized that NYSC operates strictly within its rules and regulations.
“NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation; we work with structure and due process. She is still serving; if she has any issues, we will wait and see,” Embu added.
