NYSC denies extending Lagos corper Rita Uguamaye’s service year over viral criticism of President Tinubu, amid widespread outrage and political condemnation

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]YSC denies punishing corper Rita Uguamaye following widespread reports that the Lagos-based youth corps member, known online as Raye, faced official sanctions for criticising President Bola Tinubu.

Also read: NYSC urges corps members to embrace host communities

The National Youth Service Corps has described the allegations of service year extension as premature and baseless.

Raye became an online sensation after sharing a TikTok video where she openly criticised Nigeria’s economic conditions under the Tinubu administration.

In the now-viral clip posted on her handle @talktoraye, she lamented rising inflation and widespread hardship, calling President Tinubu a “terrible leader” and describing Lagos as a “smelling state” with poor living conditions.

Following her online comments, Uguamaye claimed in a second video that NYSC officials had threatened her and demanded she delete her post.

Although the NYSC did not respond to the alleged threats, the controversy triggered a wave of reactions across social and political circles.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and activist Omoyele Sowore were among those who condemned the alleged intimidation.

Sowore, citing an unverified report that her service year had been extended, vowed to lead a protest at the NYSC passing out parade.

“This regime might go down with Rita Raye’s NYSC matter,” he wrote. “We will mobilise except she is allowed to complete her service without hindrance.”

However, NYSC’s acting spokesperson, Carol Embu, dismissed the claim. Speaking on Tuesday, she clarified that the decision to extend any corps member’s service can only be made at the point of their exit from the programme.

“Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? So, how come you are listening to him?” she asked. “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.”

No official documentation or statement has confirmed any disciplinary action against Uguamaye. Our correspondent also found no recent posts on her verified social media accounts to substantiate claims of a punitive extension.

As the debate continues, the situation has once again drawn attention to freedom of expression, digital activism, and the rights of youth corps members to comment on governance.

While NYSC insists on institutional discipline, civil rights advocates warn that perceived retaliation for political speech could damage Nigeria’s democratic image.

Also read: Sowore supports NYSC corps member facing backlash over viral criticism of Tinubu

The final outcome of Rita Uguamaye’s service year remains to be seen, but her case has already sparked a national conversation about civic rights, accountability, and the delicate balance between state authority and personal expression in the digital age.