The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially denied reports circulating online that it extended the service year of Lagos-based corps member, Rita Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, as punishment for her viral social media criticism of President Bola Tinubu and the state of the nation.
Raye became a trending topic after uploading a video on TikTok in which she strongly criticised the economic condition in Nigeria, described Lagos as a “smelling state,” and referred to President Tinubu as a “terrible leader.” The post sparked widespread online engagement, drawing both praise and backlash.
Shortly after, Raye claimed in another video that NYSC officials were pressuring her to take down the content, alleging that she was facing threats over her outspoken remarks. However, the NYSC has now refuted allegations of any disciplinary extension of her service year.
Speaking to the press, the Acting Director of Press and Public Relations at NYSC, Mrs. Carol Embu, stated unequivocally that no decision had been made to extend Raye’s service year. She emphasized that any such punitive action would follow strict procedural guidelines and due process.
mobilize a protest at Raye’s Passing Out Parade should the NYSC go through with any alleged extension. Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had earlier condemned the perceived attempt to silence Raye, calling it an infringement on her right to free speech.
Despite the viral news headlines suggesting punitive action, Newspot Nigeria has confirmed that, as of the time of this report, Raye has not posted any new content confirming an extension, and there is no official NYSC document verifying such a move.
This controversy continues to stir public discourse on the limits of free speech for youth corps members and the broader implications for civic engagement among Nigerian youths.
At Newspot Nigeria, we remain committed to reporting the facts clearly and responsibly—cutting through the noise to keep our readers accurately informed.
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