NYSC Denies Extending Raye’s Service Year Over Anti-Tinubu Comments
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has debunked widespread reports that it extended the service year of Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, as punishment for her online criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Raye went viral months ago after sharing a candid video in which she lamented the harsh economic realities in Nigeria. She also described Lagos as having “poor living conditions” and claimed the city “smells,” remarks that sparked mixed reactions online. Following the video’s circulation, Raye alleged that she began receiving threats from NYSC officials, urging her to take down the post and desist from political commentary.
On Tuesday, June 24, reports began to circulate claiming that the NYSC had extended her service year by two months in what activists described as a punitive move. Prominent among those who echoed the claim was activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who vowed to protest the decision at the upcoming NYSC Passing Out Parade.
“This Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s NYSC matter,” Sowore wrote on social media. “We will mobilise to the Passing Out Parade unless Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC without let or hindrance.”
In response, the acting NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Carol Embu, firmly denied the allegations. Speaking to Punch, she clarified that no such extension had been issued, noting that service extensions are only determined during the clearance for passing out, which Raye has not yet reached.
“Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? How come people are listening to him?” Embu questioned. “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.”
Mrs. Embu also stressed that if disciplinary action were ever to be taken, it would follow due process and be in accordance with the Corps’ established guidelines.
For now, Raye remains a serving corps member, and no official communication has been made regarding any extension of her service year.
See Why NYSC Extended Corps Member Raye’s Service After She Criticised Tinubu’s Government
