The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reportedly extended the service year of corps member Rita Ushie, widely known as Raye, by two months as disciplinary action following her public criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government. With just a month left in her mandatory service, Raye drew nationwide attention when she posted a viral video in March describing the administration as “terrible” amid rising living costs and demanding accountability.
Sources say Raye was summoned to the NYSC offices in Eti-Osa and the Iyana Ipaja orientation camp, during which she allegedly apologised to officials for the public backlash her video generated. Despite showing up for the summons, she was later informed without formal notice that her service would be extended by 60 days. No official court or disciplinary order was issued, and the extension comes without additional pay.
Raye’s video highlighted her struggle with escalating living costs as a corps member, saying her transport and NEPA bills often exceeded her NYSC allowance. After calling out what she saw as neglect by the Tinubu administration, she claimed NYSC officials warned her to delete the video or face consequences. Civil rights groups and social media users have condemned the punitive measure, calling it a violation of free speech. The NYSC has yet to respond officially to media inquiries.
