Who Is Sowore? – NYSC Speaks On Service Extension For Raye, Corps Member Who Criticized Tinubu

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed reports of extending the service year of a Lagos corps member, Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, for criticising the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Naijaonpoint recalls that Raye became an internet sensation following a public criticism of Tinubu’s government, while expressing frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship and high inflation.

Uguamaye also slammed President Tinubu, describing him as a “terrible leader” while questioning the government’s efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by the citizens.

The corps member further described Lagos State as a ‘smelling state’ and lamented its poor living conditions.

After the video went viral, Uguamaye posted another video on TikTok to alert the public that the NYSC authorities were allegedly threatening her to delete the social media post, but she insisted that she had only spoken the truth about the country’s situation.

Following her allegations, several individuals, including former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and many other prominent Nigerians condemned the alleged threat to her life.

Many months after the social media saga, Sowore, in a post via 𝕏 on Tuesday, shared a news caption that read, “NYSC punitively extends Raye’s service year by 2 months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship.”

Sowore stated that the decision was unacceptable and vowed to protest at the NYSC passing out parade.

He wrote, “This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter.

“This is not acceptable, we will mobilise down to the Passing Out Parade except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance.”

In an interview with Punch, the Acting NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, stated that Raye cannot be given a service extension while still serving.

Embu stated that NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation, noting that some guidelines would be followed if such an action were to be taken.

She said, “Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? So, how come you are listening to him? I don’t understand how she will get an extension if she is still serving.

“NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation; we work with rules and regulations. She is still serving; if she has any issues, we will wait and see.”