The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed claims that it extended the service year of Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known on TikTok as Raye, as punishment for her outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Afrocover in a recent report said, Raye had gained public attention after posting a viral video on her TikTok page, @talktoraye, where she voiced her concerns over Nigeria’s declining economic situation.
She lamented the escalating inflation rate and rising cost of living, describing the economic hardship as unbearable.
In the same video, she referred to President Tinubu as a “terrible leader,” questioning the effectiveness of his government’s strategies to address the plight of ordinary Nigerians. She also didn’t spare Lagos State in her criticism, branding it a “smelling state” with “poor living conditions.”
Read also: Corps member apologises for berating Lagos environmental condition
However, Raye returned to social media, alleging that she was being harassed by NYSC officials who reportedly demanded she take down the post. Although she stood her ground, claiming her statements were truthful, the NYSC did not issue any comment regarding the allegation of threats.
Her claim, which gained public reaction. Prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and human rights campaigner Omoyele Sowore expressed concern over her safety and the supposed clampdown.
In a post shared on Tuesday, Sowore responded to a news headline that read, “NYSC punitively extends Raye’s service year by 2 months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship.” He condemned the alleged move and hinted at a protest during the NYSC passing out ceremony.
“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter,” Sowore wrote. “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, according to the Punch, when contacted for clarification, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations at the NYSC, Carol Embu, denied that such a punitive measure had been taken.
According to Embu, the decision to extend a corps member’s service year is only made at the point of passing out and not while they are still actively serving.
“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,” Embu said.
“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, Raye had not issued any new statement on her social media pages confirming the alleged extension of her service year, and the claim could not be independently verified by Afrocover.
