NYSC Extends Corps Member Raye’s Service Year Over Viral Criticism of Tinubu

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service year of corps member Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye on Instagram, by two months after her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu and the economic hardship in Nigeria.

Raye, who had just one month left in her service, gained national attention in March when she posted a tearful video on TikTok (@talktoraye) decrying the rising cost of living in Lagos and questioning the government’s response to inflation and poor living conditions. In the video, she labelled the Tinubu administration as “terrible” and expressed frustration over skyrocketing food prices, transport fares, and the strain of surviving on the NYSC allowance.

Shortly after the post, Raye alleged that she received threatening phone calls from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the video and stop criticizing the government — a move that sparked outrage from civil rights groups and concerned Nigerians who viewed it as a violation of her right to free expression.

Initially summoned to the Eti-Osa Local Government office, Raye arrived with legal representation and activist Omoyele Sowore, but the official who issued the summons reportedly failed to appear. The matter resurfaced on June 18 when she was again summoned — this time to the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos — where she faced a disciplinary panel.

According to Jonathan Ugbal of the Take It Back Movement, the process lacked formal documentation and clarity. “She was told to return later after arriving without an official letter. Eventually, she met with officials, apologized for any perceived wrongdoing, but was then informed that her service would be extended by two months,” Ugbal told CrossRiverWatch. “Her mother called me crying. Raye herself was in tears and extremely distressed.”

Despite the backlash, the NYSC has not issued any official statement on the disciplinary action.

In the original video, Raye lamented, “Why am I buying a crate of eggs for ₦6,500? I remember when it was ₦800. Even Uber is ₦25,000! Lagos smells. What is the government doing about it?” She went on to question the relevance of the NYSC scheme, stating that transportation alone costs more than her monthly stipend.

Raye clarified that her video was not politically motivated but a desperate call for change:

“If more Nigerians come out and speak up, maybe the government will be forced to change something. Tinubu, you are a terrible person. What are you doing to fix this economy?”

Following the video, she shared a follow-up clip showing multiple calls from NYSC officials warning her to take down the post.

Critics and observers have slammed the NYSC’s decision as an attempt to silence dissent and discourage civic participation. As of now, Raye