Rita Uguamaye, commonly known as Raye, a member of the Lagos corps, has been denied an extension of her service year by the National Youth Service Corps for her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Rita went viral months ago when she blamed the current government for the public’ increasing economic suffering.
Her claims that Lagos State is “smelling” and has “poor living conditions” also caused outrage.
Rita said that the NYSC authorities were threatening her in another video that she uploaded to her TikTok after the first one went viral.
Online sources stated that her service year had been extended by two months on Tuesday, June 24, months later.
Activist Yele Sowore shared a report that read, “NYSC punitively extends Raye’s service year by 2 months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship.”
He then swore to protest at the NYSC passing out parade.
Sowore wrote on June 24, “This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter.”
“This is not acceptable, we will mobilize down to the Passing Out Parade except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance.”
However, Rita Uguamaye’s two-month extension has been denied by Carol Embu, the temporary NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations.
Punch claims that Embu stated that Rita is not yet passing out, and that the choice to extend a corps member’s service year is taken when such a person is.
She revealed that if such an action were to be done, certain rules would be adhered to.
The article claims that Embu stated, “Who is Sowore? Is he employed by the NYSC? Why are you listening to him, then? If she is still serving, I don’t see how she will be granted an extension.
“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.”