The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied claims that it extended the service year of Rita Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos, over her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Uguamaye, known online as Raye, recently gained widespread attention after a video she posted on her TikTok account, @talktoraye, went viral. In the video, she expressed frustration about Nigeria’s economic situation, citing high inflation and worsening living conditions.
She also described President Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and criticised Lagos as a “smelling state” with poor infrastructure.
After the video circulated online, Uguamaye alleged in a follow-up post that she was being pressured by NYSC officials to delete the video.
She claimed she was being threatened but insisted she only spoke the truth about the country’s current challenges.
The NYSC has not commented on these specific allegations.
Public figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, condemned the alleged threats against her.
Sowore, in a social media post on Tuesday, reacted to an unverified report that Uguamaye’s service year had been extended by two months as punishment for her comments.
He threatened to stage a protest at the NYSC passing-out parade if the corps member was not allowed to complete her service without interference.
“This regime may go down over Rita Raye’s NYSC matter,” Sowore stated.
“We will mobilise to the Passing Out Parade unless she is allowed to finish her service without hindrance.”
Responding to the claims, NYSC’s Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, dismissed the allegation.
She clarified that any decision regarding a service extension would only be taken at the end of a corps member’s service, and not while they are still serving.
“She is still in service, so how can an extension already be in effect?” Embu said.
“NYSC operates within a framework of rules and procedures. We do not act arbitrarily.”
When asked about Sowore’s statements, Embu responded, “Who is Sowore? Does he work with NYSC? Why should anyone take his claims as fact?”
As of the time of this report, Uguamaye had not confirmed any extension of her service year on her verified social media platforms, and the claim remains unverified.