The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has allegedly punished Ms. Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye, following her viral criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic hardship.
Raye, had trended online after posting a video lamenting the economic crisis and alleging threats from NYSC officials demanding she delete the content.
The young lady, who shared her grievances on TikTok via the handle @talktoraye, was seen in tears as she lamented the rising cost of goods in Nigeria.
She described Tinubu as a “terrible” president and accused his government of neglecting the economic hardship faced by citizens.
“If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government,” she said in the video.
“I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president.”
She further lamented the financial struggles she faced as a corps member, stating that the monthly NYSC allowance was insufficient to cover basic living expenses.
According to her, she often spent more than she earned due to the skyrocketing cost of essentials.
The incident was condemned by civil rights groups and many Nigerians who accused the NYSC of attempting to suppress freedom of expression.
Rita was summoned by the NYSC Local Government Inspector to appear at the Eti-Osa Local Government office.
However, when she arrived with human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore and her legal representatives, the official who issued the summons was absent.
The matter faded from public attention until last Wednesday, June 18, when Raye was summoned to appear before another disciplinary panel at the Iyana Ipaja NYSC orientation camp in Lagos.
However, despite repeated delays, she was eventually informed that her service year had been extended as a form of punishment.
Jonathan Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, who has been in contact with Raye’s family, told newsmen that, “Upon her arrival at Iyana Ipaja last Wednesday without any formal letter, she was met by the Local Government Instructor who spoke to her and asked her to return this week despite the scarce resources she burned to get there.
“She went there eventually, and she faced them, apologising to the staff who felt hurt due to the backlash they received from the public.”
“However, her mother called me moments ago to inform me that she called crying over the phone that her service year has been extended by two months. I have reached out to her, but she is not in a good frame of mind to speak,” Jonathan added.
When contacted on Tuesday, the acting NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, said the decision to extend a corps member’s service year is made when such a person is passing out.
She disclosed that there are guidelines that would be followed if such an action were to be taken.
