The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service year of corps member Rita Ushie popularly known as “Raye” on Instagram by two months in what appears to be a disciplinary measure following her viral criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Raye, who was in the final month of her mandatory national service, stirred national attention in March after posting a video lamenting Nigeria’s deteriorating economic conditions. In the video, she alleged that NYSC officials pressured her to take down the post and threatened her with sanctions, triggering public backlash at the time.
The controversy flared up again on June 18 when Raye was reportedly summoned without prior written notice to appear before a disciplinary panel at the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. According to Jonathan Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Raye struggled to raise funds to travel from her place of primary assignment. “She got to the camp and was told by the Local Government Inspector to return again this week,” Ugbal said.
After facing the panel, Raye reportedly offered an apology to NYSC officials angered by the backlash from her video. Despite this, her family was later informed that her service year had been extended by two months as punishment. “Her mother called me in tears after receiving the news,” Ugbal said, adding that Raye has been left emotionally shaken by the decision.
The NYSC has yet to release an official statement, but the development has sparked renewed public debate over freedom of expression and the rights of corps members. Activist and RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore has threatened nationwide protests if the NYSC fails to reverse what he described as a retaliatory action.
Observers and civil society groups are now calling for greater transparency in the NYSC’s disciplinary procedures and urging authorities to respect the constitutional rights of young Nigerians participating in national service.
