NYSC extends corps member Raye’s service by two months over viral video criticizing Tinubu’s government.
The move follows backlash, delayed hearings, and growing debate on free speech and youth rights.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service year of corps member Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye on social media, by two months as disciplinary action following her public criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
Raye, who had only one month left in her service year, became widely known in March after a video she posted on TikTok went viral. In the video, she expressed her frustration with the deteriorating economic situation in Nigeria and described the current administration as “terrible.” She also claimed that NYSC officials had threatened her and insisted she delete the video.
Her remarks and the NYSC’s response drew nationwide attention and backlash from civil rights advocates, who accused the youth service scheme of violating her right to free expression. Many Nigerians condemned the alleged threats and criticized the NYSC for prioritizing image over the welfare of corps members.
Shortly after the video gained traction, Raye was invited by the NYSC Local Government Inspector to the Eti-Osa office in Lagos. She appeared with legal representation and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, but upon arrival, the official who issued the invitation was reportedly unavailable, and the matter appeared to fade from public focus.
However, on June 18, the NYSC reignited disciplinary proceedings against her, summoning her to the Lagos State orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja to appear before a disciplinary panel. According to reports, the panel session was delayed several times, and no formal notification of her sanction was initially given. Eventually, Raye was told that her service year would be extended by two months as punishment for her earlier actions.
Jonathan Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, confirmed the development and said Raye was emotionally distraught by the decision. “Her mother called me in tears, saying Raye was crying on the phone after hearing the news,” Ugbal told CrossRiverWatch. “She’s not in the right frame of mind to speak publicly at the moment.”
Despite facing financial constraints, Raye complied with the NYSC directive, traveled to the camp, and reportedly apologized to some NYSC officials who claimed they were embarrassed by the negative attention the video drew.
In her original TikTok video posted via her account @talktoraye, Raye had tearfully decried the soaring cost of living in Nigeria. She said her monthly earnings were no longer sufficient to afford basic needs and criticized the government for ignoring the struggles of ordinary citizens.
The NYSC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
