NYSC Denies Extending Service Year of Corps Member Who Criticised Tinubu

[Ayodeji adebayo]

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied reports 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 on TikTok as @talktoraye, recently gained public attention following a viral video in which she expressed frustration over Nigeria’s economic challenges, including inflation and general hardship. In the video, she referred to President Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and described Lagos as a “smelling state” with poor living conditions.

Following the video’s circulation, Uguamaye alleged that she received threats from NYSC officials who reportedly asked her to delete the post. She maintained her stance, saying she was only speaking the truth about the country’s situation.

The development sparked reactions from prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore. Both condemned what they described as attempts to suppress Uguamaye’s freedom of expression.

On Tuesday, a viral news headline claimed that the NYSC had “punitively extended Raye’s service year by two months for criticising Tinubu’s administration.” In response, Sowore vowed to mobilise a protest at the NYSC passing out parade unless the corps member was allowed to complete her service without obstruction.

Reacting to the claims, NYSC’s Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, denied any punitive extension of Uguamaye’s service. She clarified that such decisions are made only at the end of a corps member’s service year and are based on clear guidelines.

“Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? I don’t understand how she will get an extension if she is still serving,” Embu stated. “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 this report, Uguamaye had not posted any update confirming a service year extension, and the NYSC has not issued an official notice on the matter.

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