Raye vs the NYSC

Ushie Rita Uguamaye, known as Raye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Lagos, sparked controversy in March 2025 with a viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration for worsening Nigeria’s economic conditions and highlighting the inadequate support for corps members, including the low ₦33,000 monthly stipend. She also faced pressure from her NYSC Local Government Inspector (LGI) to remove the video, which included comments calling Tinubu a “terrible president” and lamenting Lagos’ air quality. Raye later apologized for remarks perceived as disparaging Lagos.

In August 2025, Raye alleged that the NYSC withheld her discharge certificate and extended her service year by two months, claiming she missed her April 2025 biometric clearance. The NYSC stated this was a standard disciplinary action applied to 131 corps members for similar infractions, denying any political motive tied to her criticism of the government. However, Raye and her supporters, including the Labour Party and human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, argue she was present for clearance but was deliberately denied by the LGI, suggesting targeted victimization for her outspokenness.

The Labour Party and activists like Omoyele Sowore have condemned the NYSC’s actions as authoritarian, accusing the government of suppressing free speech. Effiong has threatened legal action, citing Raye’s constitutional right to expression, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called the situation an act of impunity. The NYSC maintains its decision aligns with its bye-laws, urging the public not to politicize the issue. The case has ignited debates about freedom of expression, NYSC policies, and the economic struggles of corps members.

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