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Embattled corps member, Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what she describes as an “unlawful and politically motivated” extension of her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service year.
Through her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, Raye accused the NYSC of victimization and abuse of power, alleging that she was targeted for publicly criticizing certain policies of the Tinubu administration.
The petition, addressed to the President and copied to the NYSC Director-General, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other relevant stakeholders, demands the immediate reversal of the two-month extension and the issuance of her discharge certificate. Effiong explained that the extension was unjustified and has caused unnecessary distress to Raye.
Titled “Appeal Against the Unlawful Extension of the Service Year of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye with State Code Number LA/24B/8325,” the petition highlights that the NYSC based the extension on allegations that Raye failed to present herself for the April 2025 biometric monthly clearance.
Raye insists she appeared on April 7, 2025, but claims her Local Government Inspector, Veronica Abela, allegedly refused to screen her in retaliation for her public remarks.
The petition further notes that the Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC threatened her with an extension after she criticized government policies, a move described by Effiong as a blatant abuse of authority.
“This action violates her constitutional rights to freedom of expression and fair hearing, and contravenes the NYSC Act. Ignoring this matter could set a dangerous precedent for democracy,” Effiong warned.
According to Effiong, prior attempts to seek redress, including a petition dated August 11, 2025, addressed to the NYSC Director-General, yielded no results, prompting the escalation to the Presidency.
“We are appealing to the President to intervene immediately and ensure that Raye’s rights are protected,” Effiong added, hinting that legal action may follow if the matter is not resolved promptly.
The case has attracted public attention as it raises broader concerns about the treatment of corps members and the potential politicization of NYSC administrative processes.
Analysts note that the extension, perceived as punitive, could discourage other corps members from speaking out on governance issues. One observer commented, “If left unaddressed, this situation could undermine confidence in the NYSC as a neutral institution meant to foster national unity and development.”
Raye’s petition underscores the delicate balance between government oversight and individual rights, particularly in institutions designed to serve national development. The outcome of this appeal is expected to set a benchmark for how similar cases are handled in the future, with civil society groups closely monitoring the situation for fairness and adherence to the law.
President Tinubu’s office is yet to respond to the petition, but stakeholders have expressed hope for a swift resolution that respects both the rule of law and the rights of corps members.
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