The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied extending the service year of a Lagos corper, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, for criticising the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Chronicle NG reports that Raye became an Internet sensation following her public criticism of the present administration, which she described as worsening economic conditions.
In a popular video posted on her TikTok account, @talktoraye, Uguamaye voiced anger with Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, citing rising inflation and economic hardship.
Uguamaye also attacked the president, calling him a “terrible leader” and doubting the government’s efforts to ameliorate citizens’ hardships.
She also emphasised that Lagos State is a “smelly state” and criticised the “poor living conditions”.
After the video went viral, Uguamaye released another video on TikTok to warn the public that she was reportedly being intimidated by NYSC officials, a claim that the authorities did not respond to.
She stated that certain NYSC officials had asked her to delete the video, despite her insistence that she had merely told the truth about the country’s plight.
Following her charges, several people, including former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, criticised the alleged threat to her life.
On Tuesday, they shared a news caption that stated, “NYSC punitively extends Raye’s service year by 2 months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship.” Sowore vowed to protest at the NYSC passing out parade.
Sowore wrote, “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.”
When reached on Tuesday, Carol Embu, the acting NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, stated that the decision to extend a corps member’s service year is made after the person passes away.
She stated that there are criteria that must be followed if such an action is taken.
“Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? So, how come you are listening to him? I don’t understand how she will get an extension if she is still serving.
“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,” Embu said.
