NYSC punishes corps member Raye with two-month extension for insulting Tinubu

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service year of Ms. Rita Ushie, popularly known on Instagram as Raye, by two months following her viral criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic hardship.

Raye drew nationwide attention in March after posting a video lamenting the economic crisis and calling President Tinubu a terrible person. She also said Lagos State “stinks.”

She further alleged 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.