Nation
NYSC extends service of Tinubu critic by two months
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service year of Ms. Rita Ushie, aka Raye on Instagram by two months following her acerbic viral criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic hardship and deteriorating insecurity
Raye, who reportedly had one month left in her mandatory national service, attracted nationwide attention in March after posting a video lamenting the economic crisis and alleging threats from NYSC officials demanding she delete the content.
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 CrossRiverWatch, “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.