Introduction: Critic of Tinubu’s Government
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has controversially extended the service year of Ms. Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye on Instagram, by two months June 18, 2025.
This punitive action followed her viral criticism of Tinubu’s administration over Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship June 18.
Raye’s Viral Criticism and Its Fallout
NYSC extends Raye service year. Raye’s video, posted on her TikTok account @talktoraye, captured national attention in March 2025.
In it, she tearfully lamented the soaring inflation and economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.
She described the Tinubu-led government as a “terrible leader” and accused it of neglecting citizens’ welfare.
She also referred to Lagos State as a “smelling state” with poor living conditions.
Following the viral video, Raye claimed that NYSC officials threatened her and pressured her to delete the post.
This allegation was not officially addressed by the NYSC extending Raye service year.
But sparked widespread outrage among civil rights groups.
And Nigerians who condemned what they saw as an attack on freedom of expression.
The NYSC’s Disciplinary Actions
After the backlash, Raye was summoned by the NYSC Local Government Inspector to the Eti-Osa office in Lagos.
Where she arrived with her legal team and activist Omoyele Sowore.
The official who issued the summons was reportedly absent after.
The issue seemed to fade from public view temporarily.
However, on June 18, 2025, Raye was again summoned this time to the NYSC extends Raye service yearorientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos to face a disciplinary panel.
Without formal notice and after repeated delays.
She was informed that her service year would be extended by two months as punishment.
Jonathan Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement.
Ugbala revealed that Raye was deeply upset by the decision.
“Her mother called me, saying she was crying on the phone after being told of the extension.
She’s not in the right frame of mind to speak right now,” he said.
Despite limited financial resources, Raye complied with the summons and traveled to the camp.
She reportedly apologized to NYSC staff who felt embarrassed by the public backlash her video caused.
NYSC Denies Extension Amid Conflicting Reports.
The NYSC has officially denied extending Raye’s service year as a punitive measure.
Acting NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, told The Punch on June 25 that service year extensions are only decided when a corps member is about to pass out, following strict guidelines.
Embu questioned the credibility of reports linking activist Omoyele Sowore to the matter, saying, “Who is Sowore?
Does he work with the NYSC?
So, how come you are listening to him?”
She stressed that Raye was still serving and that no extension had been granted.
The denial has created confusion, as no independent verification of the extension claim was possible.
And Raye herself has not posted about it on her social media.
Sowore’s Threat to Protest
Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist, shared a news caption on June 24 claiming.
“NYSC extends Raye’s service year by 2 months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship.”
He vowed to mobilize protests at the NYSC passing out parade, declaring,
“This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter.”
Sowore’s stance has amplified the controversy.
Framing the NYSC’s alleged action as a political tool to silence dissent.
Freedom of Expression vs. Institutional Discipline
This incident raises critical questions about freedom of speech.
And the role of government institutions in regulating dissent.
Raye’s viral video highlighted real economic struggles, resonating with many Nigerians.
Yet, the alleged punitive extension suggests an attempt to suppress criticism.
The NYSC’s denial complicates the narrative, leaving the public uncertain about the truth.
The tense relationship between young Nigerians’ right to voice concerns and institutional responses under the current administration.
Whether the extension is factual or not, the incident has spotlighted.
The growing impatience with economic hardship and the limits of dissent tolerated by authorities.
The unfolding drama continues to engage.
Activists, civil rights groups, and the public, making it a defining story of 2025’s socio-political landscape in Nigeria.
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